Methods of treatment using topical copper ion formulations

ABSTRACT

Provided herein are topical formulations containing copper ions and methods of treating inflammatory, microbial, and arthritic conditions in various areas of the body using such formulations. Methods of treating osteoarthritis using topical copper ion treatments are provided. Methods of treating and preventing microbial infections using copper ion treatments are further provided, including methods of preventing biofilm. A topical treatment in its basic form comprises a biocompatible copper ion solution or suspension obtained by leaching of the copper ions from copper metal. The copper ion solution or suspension is combined with various carriers to form the copper ion treatment including creams, gels, lotions, foams, pastes, tampons, solutions, suppositories, body wipes, wound dressings, skin patches, and suture material. Methods of making the copper ion solution or suspension from solid copper metal in a biocompatible solution are also provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part and claims priority to the following applications: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/841,882 filed Mar. 15, 2013; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/841,992 filed Mar. 15, 2013; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/842,310 filed Mar. 15, 2013; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/842,387 filed Mar. 15, 2013. All patents, patent applications and publications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure pertains generally to topical treatments containing copper ions and to methods of treating conditions in various anatomical areas of the body using such formulations. Some embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to topical treatments containing copper ions and to methods of making such topical treatments wherein copper ions from copper metal are leached into a solution. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to methods of using such topical formulations to treat osteoarthritis. In other embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to methods of preventing biofilm. In addition, the topical formulations have anti-fungal and anti-viral properties.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, resulting from erosion of the cartilage that normally protects the joints, leading to pain, swelling and stiffness. Although osteoarthritis affects millions of people worldwide, there is currently no cure. Current treatments include analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and steroids. These treatments are associated with various side-effects, including gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, hematologic, hepatic and renal damage and immune system suppression. For severely damaged joints, surgical joint replacement may become necessary. To date, topical treatments have been either ineffective or associated with adverse effects. Salicylates and capsaicin were ineffective in treating osteoarthritis, and Diclofenac sodium 1% gel (Voltaren® Gel) is associated with adverse effects including skin rash and flu-like symptoms. Thus, there has been an unmet medical need for effective, non-invasive treatments of osteoarthritis without significant adverse effects.

A significant amount of human microbial infections are caused by biofilms. Biofilms are notoriously difficult to treat, as they tend to be less susceptible to antibiotics and host defenses than other microbial forms. Oral plaque is a common form of biofilm that has been associated with health problems, including heart attacks, mild cognitive impairment and dementia. A host of other medical conditions are also complicated by biofilm formation, including ear infections, bacterial endocarditis, legionnaire's disease, infections associated with implantable medical devices, lung infections associated with cystic fibrosis and hospital acquired infections.

Furthermore, many various abnormal body conditions are caused by harmful pathogens or microbes, examples of which include bacteria, fungi and viruses. Abnormal body conditions that arise in or affect the genital area in women typically affect the vagina and are commonly referred to as “vaginitis”. The term “vaginitis” encompasses infection and/or inflammation of the vagina caused by bacteria, fungi and/or viruses. Vaginitis may extend to the external female genital area, i.e. the vulva, in which case it is usually referred to as “vulvovaginitis”. In addition, bacterial, fungal and viral conditions that affect all or part of the genital area in women. i.e. vagina, vulva and/or surrounding anatomical area, may also affect all or part of the rectal (anal) area, i.e. the rectum (anal canal) and surrounding anatomical area. In men, infection and/or inflammation of bacterial, fungal and/or viral origins may affect all or part of the rectal area and also all or part of the genital area, i.e. the penis, scrotum and surrounding anatomical area.

Vaginitis that is bacterial in origin is commonly called “bacterial vaginosis”. Many different bacteria are responsible for bacterial vaginosis and some of these bacteria are the cause of sexually transmitted diseases in women and men. Examples of sexually transmitted bacterial diseases that affect the vagina and surrounding anatomical areas are gonorrhea and chlamydia, which appear in the general population on a widespread basis. It is estimated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that more than 700,000 people annually in the U.S. alone acquire new gonorrhea infections. According to the CDC, over 1.3 million chlamydia infections were recorded in the U.S. in 2010 alone. In addition, there are a large number of undiagnosed, untreated or unreported infections of gonorrhea and chlamydia because the diseases may be asymptomatic or present with only very mild symptoms. Oftentimes, gonorrhea and chlamydia occur together. Gonorrhea and chlamydia may also appear in the mouth, throat and rectum (anus) in men and women. If left untreated, gonorrhea and chlamydia can spread to the uterus and/or Fallopian tubes and may cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, ectopic pregnancies, chronic pelvic pain and increased risk for infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Untreated gonorrhea may also affect the blood, joints and heart valves. The usual treatments for gonorrhea and chlamydia are appropriate antibiotics, but history has demonstrated that over time many bacterial diseases develop a resistance to antibiotics. Indeed, according to the CDC, numerous antibiotics previously used to treat gonorrhea have lost their effectiveness, and there is currently only one remaining drug, i.e. the injectable antibiotic ceftriaxone, proven effective for treating gonorrhea. There is great concern in the medical community that it is only a matter of time before gonorrhea becomes resistant to this last remaining drug. Other types of pathogens and microbes, such as the bacteria streptococcus and staphylococcus and the parasitic protozoan trichomonas, may also affect the vagina and surrounding anatomical areas resulting in abnormal biological conditions. As with gonorrhea, staphylococcus infections are especially problematic because certain strains of the bacteria have become antibiotic resistant. Infections in the vagina may spread to the uterus, resulting in PID which is often a very painful and serious condition with potentially harmful and permanent complications.

In addition to being susceptible to abnormal body conditions caused by bacteria, the vagina and surrounding anatomical areas are susceptible to various abnormal body conditions caused by viruses and fungi. Viral diseases that arise in or affect the vagina and surrounding anatomical areas include herpes (Types I and II), human papilloma virus (HPV) and HIV, all of which are sexually transmittable. Herpes, HPV and HIV can also be found in the areas of the mouth, skin and rectum (anus). Fungal diseases that arise in or affect the vagina include yeast infections, particularly candida, and thrush. Fungi are also responsible for abnormal biological conditions in other areas of the body such as the mouth (thrush), feet, skin and nails. There is no cure for herpes and HIV. Anti-viral drugs are available to alleviate herpes symptoms and suppress the herpes virus so that active infections recur less frequently and are of shorter duration, but these drugs are associated with significant side effects. Infection with HPV is usually treated with topical medications, oral medications and/or surgical removal of warts. Complications of HPV infection include increased risk for cervical, rectal and vulvar cancers. Available treatments for HIV are designed to suppress the virus and boost the immune system in hope of avoiding opportunistic infections and delaying or preventing the onset of full-blown acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). In recent years, it was hoped that a vaginal microbicide gel called PRO 2000 would be effective at reducing HIV infection when used shortly before sexual intercourse, but unfortunately the compound was found to be ineffective in a large scale clinical trial. Topical and oral medications are available to treat yeast and other fungal infections, but are limited in effectiveness such that fungal infections are often not eradicated and thus reoccur. The vast majority of abnormal body conditions caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi that affect the genital and/or rectal areas in women also affect the genital and/or rectal areas in men.

In addition to conditions caused by harmful pathogens or microbes, hemorrhoids are another abnormal body condition that affects the rectum (anus) in men and women and may cause rectal pain, swelling, discomfort and/or itching. Conventional treatments for hemorrhoids include topical medications and surgery.

In addition to harmful microbes and pathogens, sperm may appear in the vagina after intercourse. Numerous spermicidal contraceptive compounds are available for introduction in the vagina. Typically, these must be introduced in the vagina very shortly before intercourse and are therefore oftentimes inconvenient. When intercourse takes place without contraception and there is concern for an unwanted pregnancy, drugs known as the “morning after pill” or “emergency contraceptives” are sometimes prescribed to prevent pregnancy, but these drugs are not 100% effective and may have undesirable side effects.

Abnormal body conditions of bacterial, viral and fungal origins commonly arise in dermatological areas of the body, i.e. skin and nails. The skin and soft tissue are common sites for infections caused by various bacteria including staphylococcus, enterobacter, pseudomonas, and streptococcus. Oftentimes, infections develop on the skin at the site of a cut, scratch, abrasion, burn, splinter, boil, pimple, blister, insect bite or other wound or trauma that damages or breaks the skin or provides a point of entry for bacteria and/or other harmful organisms. Viruses such as herpes, shingles and HPV are also the cause of abnormal body conditions on the skin. In particular, herpes causes cold sores (fever blisters), shingles causes painful eruptions, and HPV causes warts on the skin. Other organisms also cause warts on the skin. The skin is susceptible to various fungal conditions, such as “athlete's foot” which commonly occurs on the feet and rashes such as ringworm. Infections of the nails, particularly fungal infections of the toenails, are also a common and tenacious problem. The skin is further susceptible to various body conditions resulting from aging, environmental factors and various external and internal causes, such conditions including sun/wind damage, dry skin, age spots, pigmentation, scarring, blisters, bolls, cysts, pimples, cuts, scratches, burns, abrasions, splinters, insect bites and stings, animal bites and scratches, ulcers, loss of elasticity or collagen that manifests as wrinkles and sagging skin, acne, and many types of rashes, such as measles, chicken pox, eczema, psoriasis, impetigo and rosacea, due to various underlying external and internal causes. Various topical and oral prescription and non-prescription medications and products are available to treat the foregoing skin conditions. The skin is also a carrier for bacteria, viruses and fungi, seeing as how the skin regularly comes in contact with a plethora of pathogens and microbes. Consequently, many products such as sanitizing hand and body lotions and wipes are available commercially for the purpose of reducing germs on the skin.

The oral-respiratory-otic areas of the body, i.e. mouth, throat, nose, sinuses and ears are also common sites for abnormal body conditions due to the aforementioned pathogens and microbes. In addition, various allergies cause undesirable body conditions that impact the oral-respiratory-otic areas of the body, particularly the throat, nose and sinuses. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways responsible for undesirable conditions. Bacteria, viruses, fungi, allergies and/or asthma are responsible for many unwanted symptoms that appear in the oral-respiratory-otic areas of the body including sore throat, tonsillitis, colds, bronchitis, sinusitis, rhinosinusitis, wheezing, ear infections, earache, pressure in the ears, cold sores, mouth ulcers, canker sores, cough, hoarseness or laryngitis, congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore gums, periodontal disease, tooth decay and halitosis (bad breath). A vast array of prescription and non-prescription drugs and products are commercially available to treat oral-respiratory-otic conditions.

The prescription drugs and even many of the non-prescription drugs or products used to treat the numerous body conditions described above have many drawbacks including undesirable or potentially harmful side effects, high risk of harm in the event of overdose or improper use, high cost, limited effectiveness, the need for close medical monitoring, and inconvenience. Moreover, there is presently no single compound or product to treat a wide range of body conditions affecting the genital-rectal areas that include the vagina, rectum (anus), and surrounding anatomical areas, the oral-respiratory-otic areas that include the mouth, throat, airway, nose, sinuses and ears, and the dermatological areas that include the skin and nails, much less a non-pharmaceutical topical treatment that is safe, cost-effective, easy and convenient to use, and capable of being embodied in different forms depending on the intended anatomical area or areas of use.

It has previously been established that copper possesses properties by which it is capable of killing, neutralizing and preventing the growth of human pathogens. It is known that many bacteria identified as human pathogens cannot survive on surfaces of copper metal. U.S. Pat. No. 8,135,466 B2 to Fuller et al discloses a joint prosthesis having an implant body with an external surface containing an antimicrobial metal where the antimicrobial metal may be copper. U.S. Patent Application Publications No. US 2012/0071807 A1 and No. US 2012/0089068 A1 to McClure, Jr. disclose wound dressings containing a metal-based antimicrobial agent where the metal-based antimicrobial agent may be a mixture of silver ions and copper ions. Devices having an external surface of copper metal for insertion in the vagina to treat abnormal biological conditions have been proposed by Applicants in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/157,823 filed Jun. 13, 2008 (abandoned), Ser. No. 13/317,230 filed Oct. 12, 2011, and Ser. No. 13/464,005 filed May 4, 2012, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Topical substances containing particles of copper or its alloys have been proposed for health support uses. A product called “MesoCopper®” sold by Purist Colloids, Inc. is a colloidal copper solution containing nanoparticles of copper for use on the skin to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Another version of the product is sold as an ingestible mineral supplement. Copper peptides for use on the skin are also commercially available and these require peptides, i.e. small fragments of protein that have an affinity for copper to which they bind very tightly. U.S. Pat. No. 7,776,915 B2 to Morariu discloses a topical composition containing, at a minimum, a lipoic acid, a carnitine and a carnosine, where the carnosine may be chelated to zinc or copper ions. The intended use for the topical composition is to improve the appearance of aged skin. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2008/0195033 A1 to Eagleson et al discloses use of a metal substance to treat diseases in the body. The metal substance is primarily a colloidal suspension and delivery of the substance to the body may require the use of electricity. Prior to the present disclosure, it has not been recognized to provide a simple solution containing copper ions for use as a topical treatment to be applied directly to anatomical tissue to treat body conditions and/or for use in conjunction with various carriers including creams, gels, lotions, foams, pastes, other solutions, suppositories, tampons, body wipes, wound dressings, skin patches and suture material to form topical treatments in which the carriers facilitate delivery of the copper ions to contact anatomical tissue depending on the anatomical area or areas of use on the body.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure pertains generally to treatments containing copper ions and to methods of treating conditions in various anatomical areas of the body using such formulations. Some embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to topical treatments containing copper ions and to methods of making such topical treatments wherein copper ions from copper metal are leached into a solution. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to methods of using such topical formulations to treat osteoarthritis.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides methods of treating osteoarthritis of a joint comprising, administering a pharmaceutically acceptable topical formulation comprising copper ions 1-3 times daily to a human in need of such treatment. In certain embodiments, the joint is a knee, a hip, an elbow, a hand joint, a spine or a toe. In certain embodiments, the joint is a knee joint.

In some aspects of the present disclosure, a patient with a joint disease achieves a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score that is at least 15 units lower than the baseline VAS score following treatment with a copper ion containing formulation of the present disclosure. In some aspects of the present disclosure, a VAS score that is at least 25 units lower than the baseline VAS score is achieved.

In some aspects of the present disclosure, a patient with a joint disease achieves a Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) score that is at least 4 units lower than the baseline WOMAC score, following treatment with a copper ion containing formulation of the present disclosure.

Some embodiments provide a pharmaceutically acceptable copper ion formulation that is a cream, lotion, gel or a foam, and methods of treatment wherein said cream, lotion, gel or foam is applied topically. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutically acceptable formulation is a cream, such as 3VM1001 cream. The present disclosure includes formulations wherein at least 10 μg/mL copper ion is present in the liquid phase. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutically acceptable formulation comprises about 11.5 μg/mL copper ion in the liquid phase.

In some embodiments, a copper ion formulation according to the present disclosure is applied topically every other day. In other embodiments, a copper ion formulation according to the present disclosure is applied topically 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 times per day. In certain embodiments, a copper ion formulation according to the present disclosure is applied every 2-24 hrs.

In certain embodiments, 0.5-10 g of a copper ion formulation is applied at each administration. In some of these embodiments, 0.5 g, 1 g, 1.5 g, 2 g, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5 or 5 g is applied at each administration. In certain embodiments, 0.5 g, 1 g, 1.5 g, 2 g, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5 or 5 g of a copper ion containing cream is applied at each administration. In certain embodiments, 2 g of a copper ion containing cream is applied 1-3 times/day. In some embodiments, 2 g of a copper ion containing cream is applied 3 times/day.

The present disclosure further provides methods of making a copper ion cream from wherein the copper present in the liquid phase is substantially enhanced. In some of these embodiments, the copper concentration in the liquid phase is substantially enhanced compared to the copper concentration in the liquid phase of a bulk suspension used to prepare the cream. In certain embodiments, the copper concentration in the liquid phase of the cream is at least 5-10 μg/mL or at least 10-15 μg/mL. In certain embodiments, the copper concentration in the liquid phase of the cream is about 11.5 μg/mL.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a topical copper ion treatment is prepared by a process whereby copper ions from copper metal leach into a biocompatible solution. The copper metal in solid form is placed into the solution in a sealed vessel, and the sealed vessel is placed in an oven to heat or maintain the solution at a temperature equal or substantially equal to 37° Celsius for a predetermined period of time during which copper ions leach from the copper metal into the solution, where they may form insoluble salts by combining with negatively charged counter-ions, such as phosphate. After the period of time has expired, the solution is separated from the copper metal and constitutes a copper ion-containing solution that can be used as a copper ion treatment for topical application to anatomical tissue in various areas of the body to treat various body conditions. Preferably, the biocompatible solution is a saline solution and the copper metal is pure copper. A copper ion-containing solution or suspension obtained in accordance with a preferred process results in an amount of copper ions equal or substantially equal to 46 mg present in 7.44 ounces of the copper ion-containing solution or suspension.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a bulk suspension comprising precipitated copper salts is prepared by incubating a buffered saline solution with copper metal. The resulting bulk suspension is subsequently combined with a cream base to yield a cream wherein a substantial proportion of the copper from the bulk suspension is found in the soluble phase. In certain embodiments, at least 5 μg/mL, 7 μg/mL, 9 μg/mL or 11 μg/mL of copper is found in the soluble phase. In some embodiments, the liquid phase of the cream contains about 11.5 μg/mL

According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, methods of preventing biofilm formation by administering a formulation comprising copper to a human in need of such treatment are provided. In some of these methods, the formulation is a suspension prepared by incubating phosphate buffered saline with copper metal. In certain embodiments, the suspension prevents formation of biofilm by at least one of the following bacterial species: Streptococcus mutans, Gardnerella vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mobiluncus curtisii, Atopobium vaginae and Chlamydia trachomatis.

In certain embodiments, the copper formulations prevent formation of dental plaque. The suspension may be administered at least once daily as one tablespoon of a copper ion suspension. In some embodiments, the copper ion suspension is 3VM1000. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the copper formulations prevent oral biofilm formation by Streptococcus mutans.

The present disclosure also provides compositions and methods for preventing and treating viral infections, particularly infections by the human immunodeficiency virus, type 1 (HIV-1). In some embodies, a cream, gel, or a suppository of the present disclosure is administered to prevent HIV-1 infection.

The copper ion-containing solution can be combined with various carriers to facilitate application or delivery of the copper ion-containing solution to anatomical tissue in accordance with the anatomical area or areas of use. Suitable carriers include creams, lotions, gels, foams, pastes, other solutions, tampons, suppositories, body wipes, wound dressings, skin patches and suture material to obtain other forms of copper ion treatments. Various devices such as containers, bottles and tubes can be used to dispense the copper ion treatments in a manner best suited for the form of copper ion treatment and/or the intended anatomical area or areas of use. The copper ion treatments are particularly advantageous for use on anatomical tissue of the genital-rectal areas, the oral-respiratory-otic areas and the dermatological areas of the body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a bottle containing a copper ion treatment and having a spray pump nozzle for dispensing the copper ion treatment.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a bottle containing a copper ion treatment and having a spray pump nozzle with an elongate extension for dispensing the copper ion treatment.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a bottle containing a copper ion treatment wherein the bottle is squeezable to dispense the copper ion treatment from a dropper on the bottle.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a bottle containing a copper ion treatment and having a brush for applying the copper ion treatment to anatomical tissue.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a tube containing a copper ion treatment wherein the tube is squeezable to dispense the copper ion treatment.

FIG. 6 is a side view of an alternative bottle that is squeezable to dispense a copper ion treatment and showing the bottle in a dosed condition.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the bottle of FIG. 6 showing the bottle in an open condition.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a bottle containing a copper ion treatment and having a pump nozzle for dispensing the copper ion treatment in the form of foam.

FIG. 9 is a side view of an applicator for delivering a copper ion treatment to the vagina.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the applicator of FIG. 9 showing use of the applicator in conjunction with the tube of FIG. 5.

FIG. 11 is a side view of an alternative applicator for applying a copper ion treatment onto anatomical tissue.

FIG. 12 is a side view of a tampon having a tampon body used as a carrier to deliver a copper ion treatment to the vagina.

FIG. 13 is a broken front view of a plurality of suppositories containing a copper ion treatment, the suppositories being insertable in the vagina or rectum to deliver the copper ion treatment to the vagina or rectum.

FIG. 14 is a side view showing a suppository of FIG. 13 being removed from its package.

FIG. 15 is a side view of an applicator for delivering the suppositories of FIG. 13 to the vagina or rectum.

FIG. 16 is a front view of a package containing a body wipe carrying a copper ion treatment and showing the package partially open to remove the body wipe therefrom.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a wound dressing supplied with a copper ion treatment.

FIG. 18 is a plan view of a skin patch carrying a copper ion treatment.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of sutures created in anatomical tissue using suture material carrying a copper ion treatment.

FIG. 20 shows the mean change from baseline in daily VAS for osteoarthritis patients treated with 3VM1001.

FIG. 21 shows the mean change from baseline in daily WOMAC score for osteoarthritis patients treated with 3VM1001.

FIG. 22 shows copper strips separated by using stainless steel rods in a phosphate buffered saline solution.

FIG. 23 shows the bulk suspension obtained after incubating phosphate buffer saline with copper strips.

FIG. 24 shows the transfer of the bulk suspension to a measuring cup.

FIG. 25 shows the bulk suspension following transfer to a clean glass dish.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Provided herein are topical formulations comprising copper ions for the treatment of a variety of conditions, including inflammatory conditions. In particular, methods of treating osteoarthritis using topical copper ion formulations such as a copper ion cream are provided. Inasmuch as the present disclosure is subject to many variations, modifications and changes in detail, it is intended that all subject matter discussed above or shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative only and not be taken in a limiting sense.

In some embodiments, a solution containing copper ions, i.e. copper ion-containing solution, for use as a topical treatment containing copper ions, i.e. topical copper ion treatment, to treat body conditions is produced according to a process or method by which copper ions from copper metal are leached into an appropriate biocompatible solution. As used herein, “copper metal” means pure copper (99.5% or greater copper after processing) and copper alloys such as brasses, bronzes, copper-nickels and copper-nickel-zincs. Preferably, pure copper is used as the copper metal. Example 1 describes the steps involved in producing an amount of copper ion-containing solution equal or substantially equal to 7.44 ounces.

In other embodiments, a suspension containing a copper salt precipitate is combined with a cream base to create a copper ion cream, wherein a substantial proportion of the copper ions are found in the liquid phase of the cream. In certain embodiments, at least 5 μg/mL, 7 μg/mL, 9 μg/mL or 11 μg/mL of copper is found in the soluble phase. In some embodiments, the liquid phase of the cream contains about 11.5 μg/mL of copper. Example 34 describes the steps involved in preparing a cream with about 11.5 μg/mL of copper in the soluble phase.

Inasmuch as the present disclosure is subject to many variations, modifications and changes in detail, it is intended that all subject matter discussed above or shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative only and not be taken in a limiting sense.

EXAMPLES Example 1

7.44 ounces of biocompatible saline solution buffered with acetic acid and sodium acetate to a pH of 5 (±0.4) is placed in a container or vessel with a tight, removable lid to minimize evaporation. The container is placed in an incubator or oven at a temperature of 37° Celsius (±1° C.). When the saline solution has reached 37° Celsius, 102 grams of pure copper metal in solid form is placed in the heated solution within the container, and the container with the tight lid thereon is placed in the incubator at 37° Celsius for 24 hours. During the 24 hour period, copper ions from the copper metal leach into the solution. At the end of the 24 hour period, the container is removed from the incubator and the copper metal is removed or separated from the solution. The amount of solution remaining after removal or separation of the copper metal therefrom constitutes the copper ion-containing solution and should be essentially 7.44 ounces with minimal evaporation. The copper ion-containing solution produced according to this process contains copper ions in an amount equal or substantially equal to 46 milligrams when analyzed for copper content by inductively coupled plasma/optical emission spectroscopy (ICP/OES). The copper ion-containing solution is stored at room temperature and is ready for use in this form as a topical copper ion treatment to be applied to anatomical tissue to treat body conditions. In addition, the copper ion-containing solution is ready for use in conjunction with various carriers including creams, gels, lotions, foams, pastes, other solutions, suppositories, tampons, body wipes, wound dressings, skin patches and suture materials to form topical copper ion treatments in which the carriers facilitate delivery of the copper ion treatments to contact anatomical tissue to treat body conditions.

The solid pure copper metal in Example 1 may be in the form of one or more sheets of pure copper metal, typically in the range of 0.03 to 0.06 inch thick, of appropriate length and width to provide the 102 grams of pure copper metal. In practice, the process described in Example 1 has been carried out using as the copper metal four vaginal therapeutic devices made of pure copper in accordance with Applicants' prior patent application Ser. No. 13/464,005 previously incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In this case, each vaginal therapeutic device used was 3.25 Inches long by 0.750 inch wide with a wall thickness of 0.031 inch providing 25.5 grams of pure copper. The biocompatible saline solution used in the process described in Example 1 is commercially available from B. Braun Medical. As an alternative to the biocompatible saline, vaginal simulating fluid (VSF) buffered with acetic acid to a pH of 5 (±0.4) can be used as the biocompatible solution, but will produce less leaching of copper ions from copper metal over the 24 hour period. The VSF can be prepared in accordance with published literature, e.g. Owen, D. H., Katz, D. F., “A Vaginal Fluid Simulant”, Contraception, pages 91-95 (1999). The process described in Example 1 can be modified to eliminate the step of heating the solution prior to placement of the copper metal therein. In the latter case, the copper metal and unheated solution are placed in the container, the container with the tight lid thereon is placed in the Incubator at 37° Celsius and, once the solution has reached 37° Celsius, the container with the heated solution and copper metal therein is allowed to remain in the oven for 24 hours. The copper metal can be removed or separated from the solution in various ways, such as by lifting the metal out of the solution or pouring the solution alone into another container. Of course, the quantities of biocompatible saline and solid copper mental used in Example 1 can be proportionately increased to produce a greater amount of copper ion-containing solution with each process.

The copper ion-containing solution is believed to have the greatest effectiveness for treating a wide range of body conditions when the solution contains the amount of copper ions leached into the saline from the 46 mg copper metal over a 24 hour period as described in Example 1. However, it should be appreciated that the process described in Example 1 can be modified to obtain lower copper ion concentrations by adjusting the length of time that the container containing the heated saline and copper metal is allowed to remain in the incubator or oven as explained below in Examples 2, 3 and 4.

Example 2

This Example follows the steps of Example 1 except that the container containing the saline and copper metal to remain in the oven at 37° C. for one hour to obtain a copper ion-containing solution that contains an amount of copper ions equal or substantially equal to 8.8 mg.

Example 3

This Example follows the steps of Example 1 except that the container containing the saline and copper metal to remain in the oven at 37° C. for eight hours to obtain a copper ion-containing solution that contains an amount of copper ions equal or substantially equal to 22 mg.

Example 4

This Example follows the steps of Example 1 except that the container containing the saline and copper metal to remain in the oven at 37° C. for 72 hours to obtain a copper ion-containing solution that contains an amount of copper ions equal or substantially equal to 35 mg.

The copper ion-containing solution in its original form. i.e. at the end of the processes of Examples 1-4, can be applied directly to anatomical tissue in various anatomical areas of the body as a copper ion treatment to treat various body conditions. Many types of containers or bottles can be used to hold a quantity of the copper ion-containing solution and to dispense or apply the copper ion-containing solution to anatomical tissue in accordance with the intended anatomical area or areas of use. The copper ion-containing solution may also be used in conjunction with various carriers including creams, lotions, gels, foams, pastes, other solutions, tampons, suppositories, body wipes, wound dressings such as band aids and pads, skin patches and suture material to form copper ion treatments that facilitate delivery or application of the copper ion-containing solution, and therefore the copper ions, to anatomical tissue. Creams, lotions, gels, foams and pastes may be used when it is advantageous to alter the consistency of the copper ion-containing solution from its original form to obtain a thicker copper ion treatment to facilitate its delivery or application to anatomical tissue. As a result of the copper ions contacting anatomical tissue when the copper ion treatments are applied thereto, local and systemic therapeutic effects are realized including antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, anti-pathogenic, anti-inflammatory, spermicidal, neutralization of free radicals, promotion of healing and tissue repair, prevention of biofilm, and immune-boosting effects. In particular, these effects are realized when the copper ion treatments are used on anatomical tissue in the genital-rectal areas, the oral-respiratory-otic areas and the dermatological areas of the body since the anatomical tissue in these areas is favorable for local and systemic delivery of drugs and medicaments.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, the copper ion-containing solution is combined with an appropriate topical cream base to form a copper ion-containing cream, i.e. copper ion cream in which the amount of copper ion-containing solution is preferably in the range of 5% to 30% by weight of the total weight of the copper ion cream. Examples 5, 6, 7 and 8 pertain to copper ion creams made in accordance with this aspect of the present disclosure using the copper ion-containing solution of Example 1.

Example 5

An appropriate amount of copper ion-containing solution is combined with a biocompatible topical cream base to form a copper ion cream in which the copper ion-containing solution constitutes 5 percent of the total weight of the copper ion cream.

Example 6

An appropriate amount of copper ion-containing solution is combined with a biocompatible topical cream base to form a copper ion cream in which the copper ion-containing solution constitutes 10 percent of the total weight of the copper ion cream.

Example 7

An appropriate amount of copper ion-containing solution is combined with a biocompatible topical cream base to form a copper ion cream in which the copper ion-containing solution constitutes 20 percent of the total weight of the copper ion cream.

Example 8

An appropriate amount of copper ion-containing solution is combined with a biocompatible topical cream base to form a copper ion cream in which the copper ion-containing solution constitutes 30 percent of the total weight of the copper ion cream.

Various topical cream bases can be used as the carrier for the copper ion-containing solution in order to form the copper ion creams of Examples 5, 6, 7 and 8. One suitable topical cream base that can be used is VersaBase® cream made by Professional Compounding Centers of America (PCCA) of Houston, Tex. Another suitable topical cream base that can be used in the copper ion creams is Vanicream® made by Pharmaceutical Specialties, Inc. of Rochester, Minn. The copper ion creams are effective against the body conditions being treated when the only active ingredient in the copper ion creams directed at the underlying condition is the copper ion-containing solution. However, the copper ion creams could contain other ingredients added to the topical cream base that are not active ingredients with respect to the underlying condition being treated such as preservatives, penetrating additives, bioadhesives and stability aids. Preferably, a total weight of at least 70 grams, more preferably 80 grams, of the copper ion creams in the various strengths. i.e. 5 percent, 10 percent, 20 percent and 30 percent of copper ion-containing solution relative to the total weight of the copper ion cream, will be provided for use in containers, bottles, or tubes from which the copper ion creams can be dispensed. It should be appreciated that copper ion creams can be made using the alternative copper ion-containing solutions described above.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a topical copper ion treatment in the form of a copper ion-containing gel, i.e. copper ion gel, is composed of the copper ion-containing solution and a suitable topical gel base as illustrated below by Examples 9, 10, 11 and 12, which utilize the copper ion-containing solution of Example 1. The amount of the copper ion-containing solution in the copper ion gel is preferably in the range of 5% to 30% by weight of the total weight of the copper ion gel.

Example 9

An appropriate amount of copper ion-containing solution is combined with a biocompatible topical gel base to form a copper ion gel in which the copper ion-containing solution constitutes 5 percent of the total weight of the copper ion gel.

Example 10

An appropriate amount of copper ion-containing solution is combined with a biocompatible topical gel base to form a copper ion gel in which the copper ion-containing solution constitutes 10 percent of the total weight of the copper ion gel.

Example 11

An appropriate amount of copper ion-containing solution is combined with a biocompatible topical gel base to form a copper ion gel in which the copper ion-containing solution constitutes 20 percent of the total weight of the copper ion gel.

Example 12

An appropriate amount of copper ion-containing solution is combined with a biocompatible topical gel base to form a copper ion gel in which the copper ion-containing solution constitutes 30 percent of the total weight of the copper ion gel.

Various topical gel bases can be used as a carrier for the copper ion-containing solution in order to form the copper ion gels. An example of a suitable topical gel base that can be used in Examples 9-12 is VersaBase® gel made by PCCA. As explained above for the copper ion creams, the copper ion gels will be effective when the only active ingredient in the copper ion gels is the copper ion-containing solution, but other ingredients that are inactive with respect to the underlying condition being treated can be added to the topical cream gels. Preferably, a total weight of at least 70 grams, more preferably 80 grams, of the copper ion gels in the various strengths, i.e. 5 percent 10 percent, 20 percent and 30 percent of copper ion-containing solution relative to the total weight of the copper ion gel, is provided for use in containers, bottles or tubes from which the copper ion gels can be dispensed. Also, copper ion gels can be made using the alternative copper ion-containing solutions. Copper ion gels can be made having a thin, fluidic consistency, and such gels may be used as copper ion serums.

A topical copper ion treatment in the form of a copper ion-containing lotion, i.e. copper ion lotion, according to an additional aspect of the present disclosure is composed of the copper ion-containing solution and a suitable topical lotion base as represented by Examples 13, 14, 15 and 16. Examples 13-16 employ the copper ion-containing solution of Example 1, but copper ion lotions could be made using the alternative copper ion-containing solutions. The amount of the copper ion-containing solution in the copper ion lotion is preferably in the range of 5% to 30% by weight of the total weight of the copper ion lotion. Copper ion gels can be made having a thin, fluidic consistency, and such gels may be used as copper ion serums.

Example 13

An appropriate amount of copper ion-containing solution is combined with a biocompatible topical lotion base to form a copper ion lotion in which the copper ion-containing solution constitutes 5 percent of the total weight of the copper ion lotion.

Example 14

An appropriate amount of copper ion-containing solution is combined with a biocompatible topical lotion base to form a copper ion lotion in which the copper ion-containing solution constitutes 10 percent of the total weight of the copper ion lotion.

Example 15

An appropriate amount of copper ion-containing solution is combined with a biocompatible topical lotion base to form a copper ion lotion in which the copper ion-containing solution constitutes 20 percent of the total weight of the copper ion lotion.

Example 16

An appropriate amount of copper ion-containing solution is combined with a biocompatible topical lotion base to form a copper ion lotion in which the copper ion-containing solution constitutes 30 percent of the total weight of the copper ion lotion.

Various topical lotion bases can be used as a carrier for the copper ion-containing solution in the copper ion lotions of Examples 13-16. One suitable topical lotion base that can be used is VersaBase® lotion made by PCCA. As explained above for the copper ion creams and gels, the copper ion lotions will be effective against the body conditions being treated when the only active ingredient in the copper ion lotions is the copper ion-containing solution, but other inactive ingredients could be added to the topical lotion base. Preferably, a total weight of at least 70 grams, more preferably 80 grams, of the copper ion lotions in the various strengths, i.e. 5 percent, 10 percent, 20 percent and 30 percent of copper ion-containing solution relative to the total weight of the copper ion lotion, will be provided for use in containers, bottles or tubes from which the copper ion lotions can be dispensed.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a topical copper ion treatment in the form of a copper ion-containing foam, i.e. copper ion foam, is composed of the copper ion-containing solution and a suitable foam base. Examples 17, 18, 19 and 20 set forth below pertain to copper ion foams or foamable solutions made in accordance with this aspect of the present disclosure using the copper ion-containing solution of Example 1, however copper ion foams or foamable solutions can be made using the alternative copper ion-containing solutions. The amount of the copper ion-containing solution in the copper ion foam or foamable solution is preferably in the range of 5% to 30% by weight of the total weight of the copper ion foam or foamable solution.

Example 17

An appropriate amount of copper ion-containing solution is combined with a biocompatible topical foam base to form a copper ion foam or foamable solution in which the copper ion-containing solution constitutes 5 percent of the total weight of the copper ion foam or foamable solution.

Example 18

An appropriate amount of copper ion-containing solution is combined with a biocompatible topical foam base to form a copper ion foam or foamable solution in which the copper ion-containing solution constitutes 10 percent of the total weight of the copper ion foam or foamable solution.

Example 19

An appropriate amount of copper ion-containing solution is combined with a biocompatible topical foam base to form a copper ion foam or foamable solution in which the copper ion-containing solution constitutes 20 percent of the total weight of the copper ion foam or foamable solution.

Example 20

An appropriate amount of copper ion-containing solution is combined with a biocompatible topical foam base to form a copper ion foam or foamable solution in which the copper ion-containing solution constitutes 30 percent of the total weight of the copper ion foam or foamable solution.

Various topical foam bases can be used as a carrier for the copper ion-containing solution in order to form the copper ion foams or foamable solutions. Depending on the foam base used in Examples 17-20, the combination of foam base and copper ion-containing solution may be in the form of a foam. Alternatively, some foam bases that may be used will result in a foamable solution when combined with the copper ion-containing solution, and the foamable solutions will typically require an appropriate dispenser to create the actual foam. An example of a suitable topical foam base that can be used is VersaBase® foam made by PCCA. When using VersaBase® as the foam base in Examples 17-20, a foamable solution is obtained and requires a foam dispenser to create the foam. As explained above for the copper ion creams, gels and lotions, the copper ion foams win be effective against the body conditions being treated with the only active ingredient therein being the copper ion-containing solution. However, other ingredients that are inactive with respect to the condition being treated can be added to the topical foam base. It is preferred that a total weight of at least 70 grams, more preferably 80 grams, of the copper ion foams or foamable solutions in the various strengths, i.e. 5 percent, 10 percent, 20 percent and 30 percent of copper ion-containing solution relative to the total weight of the copper ion foam or foamable solution, be provided in dispensers from which the copper ion foams can be dispensed.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a topical copper ion treatment in the form of a copper ion-containing paste, i.e. copper ion paste, is composed of the copper ion-containing solution and a suitable paste base. Example 21 set forth below pertains to a copper ion toothpaste made in accordance with this aspect of the present disclosure using the copper ion-containing solution of Example 1, but copper ion pastes can also be made using the alternative copper ion-containing solutions. The amount of the copper ion-containing solution in the copper ion pastes is preferably in the range of 5% to 30% by weight of the total weight of the copper ion paste.

Example 21

An appropriate amount of copper ion-containing solution is combined with a toothpaste base material to form a copper ion toothpaste in which the copper ion-containing solution constitutes in the range of 5 percent to 30 percent of the total weight of the copper ion toothpaste.

The toothpaste base material used in Example 21 can be a commercially available toothpaste including any of the toothpastes marketed and sold under the major brand names. A toothpaste made in accordance with Example 21 is advantageous for treating bad breath, sore gums, gum disease, plaque, biofilm and tooth decay when used on a daily basis in place of a person's regular toothpaste.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the copper ion-containing solution can be combined with various base solutions to form alternative copper ion solutions. Example 22 set forth below pertains to a copper ion mouthwash made in accordance with this aspect of the present disclosure using the copper ion-containing solution of Example 1, but copper ion solutions can also be made using the alternative copper ion-containing solutions of Examples 2-4. The amount of copper ion-containing solution in the alternative copper ion solution is preferably in the range of 5% to 30% by weight of the total weight of the copper ion solution.

Example 22

An appropriate amount of copper ion-containing solution is combined with a mouthwash base solution to form a copper ion mouthwash in which the copper ion-containing solution constitutes in the range of 5 percent to 30 percent of the total weight of the copper ion mouthwash.

The mouthwash base solution used in Example 22 can be a commercially available mouthwash including any of the mouthwashes marketed and sold under the major brand names. A mouthwash made in accordance with Example 22 is advantageous for treating bad breath, sore gums, periodontal disease and tooth decay when used on a daily basis.

The examples described above pertaining to carriers in the nature of lotions, gels, foams and other solutions are particularly well suited for creating copper ion treatments in the nature of copper ion soaps by using as carriers lotion, gel, foam or other solution bases containing a soap component. The copper ion soaps could be designed for use as body soaps or as dish soaps.

FIG. 1 depicts a device 10 useful for dispensing the copper ion treatments, particularly the copper ion-containing solutions in their original form, e.g. the form resulting from Examples 1-4, and the copper ion lotions. The device 10 comprises a container or bottle 12 for holding the copper ion-containing solution and having a spray pump nozzle 14 with an outlet orifice 16. The spray pump nozzle 14 is resiliently biased, typically by a spring, in an upward direction away from the container 12 but is depressible in a downward direction toward the container 12 to effect the spray pump action. Each time the spray pump nozzle is manually depressed the full amount, typically using a finger of the hand holding the container, a predictable amount of copper ion-containing solution is discharged in the form of a spray or stream from the outlet orifice 16. The container 12 may include a removable protective cover 18 for being disposed over the spray pump nozzle 14 between uses. In use, the outlet orifice 16 is placed in line with anatomical tissue to be treated at a close enough distance that the tissue is within the range of the spray or stream dispensed from the outlet orifice. The spray pump nozzle 14 is then depressed the full amount using a finger, causing the predictable amount of copper ion-containing solution to be delivered or sprayed onto the anatomical tissue. The spray pump nozzle 14 can, of course, be depressed multiple times to deliver multiple sprays or streams of the copper ion-containing solution to the tissue. The device 10 could also be adapted to dispense the copper ion lotions in a similar manner, although in such case the copper ion lotions would typically be dispensed in the form of a ribbon, mass or stream of material. In the latter case, the copper ion lotions could be dispensed directly on the tissue to be treated, or on the palm or fingers of a hand which is then used to apply the lotions on the tissue to be treated. The copper ion lotions may be best suited for use on the skin, on the external genital and rectal areas, and in the vagina.

Another device 20 useful for dispensing the copper ion treatments, particularly the copper ion-containing solution in its original form, is shown in FIG. 2. The device 20 is similar to the device 10 and comprises a container or bottle 22 having a spray pump nozzle 24 with an outlet orifice 26. The device 20, however, further includes an elongate hollow extension 28 attached to the spray pump nozzle 24. The extension 28 has a first end coupled with the outlet orifice 26 of the spray pump nozzle 24 and has an opposed second end with a wider end surface having a discharge opening 29. Preferably, a plurality of discharge openings 29 are provided along the wider end surface as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 2 to obtain a wider spray pattern as indicated by dotted lines. Each time the spray pump nozzle 24 is manually depressed the full amount, a predictable amount of copper ion treatment is released in spray form from the discharge openings 29 at the end of the extension 28. The wider end surface and plurality of discharge openings at the second end of the extension provides a wider spray pattern than the device 10. The device 20 could be designed without the spray pump nozzle, with the container 22 being squeezable to force the copper ion treatment to be discharged from the discharge opening(s) 29. The extension 28 may be selectively detachable/attachable to the spray pump nozzle 24 for ease of storage of the device 20. The device 20 may include a removable protective cover (not shown) for being placed over the nozzle 24 between uses. The device 20 is particularly useful as an atomizer for dispensing the copper ion treatments to contact anatomical tissue deeper within the mouth, throat and airway.

The device 30 depicted in FIG. 3 is also useful for dispensing the copper ion treatments, particularly the copper ion-containing solution in its original form. The device 30 comprises a squeezable container or bottle 32 for holding the copper ion treatment and having a tapered dropper or extension 34 with an outlet orifice 36 attached to a cap on the container 32. In use, the container 32 is positioned so that the outlet orifice 36, which is located at the tip of the dropper, faces anatomical tissue to be treated. The container 32 is then squeezed with the fingers and, in response to such finger pressure, individual drops of a predictable amount of copper ion treatment are released from the outlet orifice 36. Alternatively, the extension 34 can be designed to discharge the copper ion treatment in the form of a spray as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 3, which would be particularly useful as a nasal/ear spray. The tapered configuration of the dropper/extension 34 facilitates its placement in the nostril (nasal cavity) and ear (ear canal). The container 32 may include a removable protective cover 38 for being disposed over the dropper 34 between uses. The device 30 is particularly useful for dispensing the copper ion treatments to contact anatomical tissue within the nose (nostrils), ears (ear canal), skin and nails.

An additional device 40 for dispensing the copper ion treatments is shown in FIG. 4. The device 40 comprises a container or bottler 42 for holding the copper ion treatment and having a removable cap 44 with a brush 45 attached to an underside of the cap. Typically, the cap 44 will be screwed onto a neck of the container 42. When the cap 44 is disposed on the container 42, the brush 45 extends into the container and is disposed within the copper ion treatment 43. Upon removal of the cap 44 from the container 42, the cap 44 may be manipulated using the fingers and hand to contact anatomical tissue to be treated with the brush 45 in order to deposit the copper ion treatment from the brush 45 onto the anatomical tissue. The device 40 would be particularly useful for applying the copper ion treatments on the skin and nails. The brush 45 could be eliminated from the cap 44, in which case the device 40, if sized appropriately, would be advantageous for holding a copper ion solution such as a copper ion mouthwash.

The device 50 illustrated in FIG. 5 is particularly useful for dispensing the copper ion treatments formed as creams, lotions, gels and pastes. The device 50 comprises a container 52 in the form of a squeezable tube for holding the copper ion treatment and having a removable cap 54 disposed on an open end or neck 56 of the tube. Typically the cap 54 will be threaded onto an external thread 55 on the neck 56 of the tube. The cap 54 may optionally have a piercing formation 57 that may be used to puncture an optional seal covering the open neck 56 prior to the first use. Upon removal of the cap 54, the piercing formation 57 is placed against the seal, and the cap 54 is pushed in the direction of the tube 52 to puncture the seal. Once the seal is penetrated, the tube 52 can be squeezed, preferably from the bottom of the tube working upward, causing the copper ion treatment to be dispensed from the open neck 56 of the tube. The device 50 is particularly well suited for dispensing the copper ion treatments onto the fingers or palm of a hand that is then used to apply the treatments to anatomical tissue, particularly the tissue of the skin and the external genital and rectal areas. However, the copper ion treatments could be squeezed directly on the anatomical tissue to be treated. In addition, when the copper ion treatment is in a paste or other suitable form for use as a toothpaste, the device 50 is particularly well suited for dispensing the copper ion treatment onto a tooth brush in a conventional manner. As explained further below, the device 50 is particularly well suited for use with a vaginal applicator.

FIGS. 6 and 7 depict an additional device 60 useful for dispensing the copper ion treatments. The device 60 is particularly advantageous for dispensing copper ion lotions. The device 60 comprises a container or bottle 62 for holding the copper ion treatment and having a cap 64 disposed on an open end or neck of the bottle. The cap 64 could be removable or non-removable. The top surface of the cap 64 is formed by a pivotable member or disc 65 having an outlet orifice 66 along a side edge thereof. FIG. 6 depicts the cap 64 in its closed condition wherein the pivotable member 65 is in a horizontal position relative to the cap 64 and the outlet orifice 66 is disposed within the cap 64 and is not exposed. When the pivotable member 65 is depressed downwardly toward the container 62 at a location opposite the outlet orifice 66 as shown by the arrow in FIG. 7, the cap 64 will assume the open condition shown in FIG. 7 wherein the pivotable member 65 is disposed at an angle relative to the cap 64 and the outlet orifice 66 is in an exposed position located slightly above the cap 64. In use, the pivotable member 65 would be depressed using pressure applied with one or more fingers of the hand. With the cap 64 in the open condition as shown in FIG. 7, the container 62 can be squeezed manually to dispense the copper ion treatment therein from the outlet orifice 66. The cap 64 is returned to the dosed position by pressing downwardly on the pivotable member 65 at a location adjacent the outlet orifice. The device 60 is advantageous for dispensing the copper ion treatments onto the palm of the hand or fingers used to apply the treatment to anatomical tissue to be treated, but the device 60 could be used to dispense the copper ion treatments directly on the anatomical tissue to be treated.

The device 70 shown in FIG. 8 is an example of a device that can be used to dispense the copper ion treatment in the form of a copper ion foam. The device 70 comprises a container 72 for holding the copper ion foam or foamable solution and having a resiliently biased foam pump dispenser 74 with an outlet orifice 76. When the foam pump dispenser 74 is depressed the full amount in a manner similar to the device 10, a predictable amount of the copper ion foam is discharged through the outlet orifice 76. If necessary, the device 70 may include a mechanism for creating foam as the copper ion treatment is discharged therefrom. The device 70 may have a removable protective cover 78 for being disposed over the foam pump dispenser 74 between uses. The device 70 could also be adapted to dispense copper ion lotions and gels.

FIG. 9 depicts a vaginal applicator 81 useful for delivering the copper ion treatments to the vagina. The vaginal applicator 81 is particularly useful in conjunction with the device 50 as depicted in FIG. 10. Also, the vaginal applicator 81 is particularly well suited for use when the copper ion treatments are in the form of either lotion, cream or gel. The vaginal applicator 81 comprises a hollow barrel 83 and a plunger 85 slidably mounted in the hollow barrel 83. The barrel 83 has an open forward end defining a discharge opening 89 and has a rearward end wall through which a stem 91 of the plunger passes. The stem 91 is attached at one end thereof to an internal flange 93 disposed within the barrel in close, sealing relation therewith. The plunger has a finger flange 95 attached to an opposite end of the stem 91 that is disposed external of the barrel 83, the flange 95 being engageable with a finger or fingers of a hand in order to selectively depress and withdraw the plunger 85 relative to the barrel 83. For use with the device 50, the forward end of the barrel 83 is provided with an internal thread 97 to threadedly engage with the external thread 55 on the neck 56 of the tube 52.

FIG. 10 illustrates the vaginal applicator 81 being filled with the copper ion treatment from the tube 52 of the device 50. As seen in FIG. 10, the cap 54 is removed from the neck 56 of the tube 52, and the forward end of the barrel 83 is threaded onto the neck 56 via threaded engagement of the threads 55 and 97. At this stage, the plunger 85 is fully withdrawn relative to the barrel 83 such that the Internal flange 93 is in abutment with the rearward end well of the barrel 83. The tube 52 is then squeezed using pressure from the fingers in order to dispense the copper ion treatment, represented at 98, into the barrel 83 from the open neck 56 of the tube 52. When the barrel 83 is sized for a particular dosage of copper ion treatment, a sufficient amount of copper ion treatment can be dispensed from the tube 52 to entirely fill the space within the barrel 83 from the neck of the tube 56 to the internal flange 93 which is in abutment with the rearward end wall of the barrel. Alternatively, an indicia or other marking 99 can be provided on the barrel 83 to indicate the point to which the barrel 83 should be filled with copper ion treatment 98 from the tube 52. It is preferred that filling the space within the barrel from the neck of the tube to the internal flange corresponds to a dose of 5 grams of the copper ion treatment. Once the barrel 83 has been filed with the appropriate amount of copper ion treatment 98, the barrel 83 is disengaged from the neck 56 of the tube 52 by disengaging the thread 97 from the thread 55. In order to dispense the copper ion treatment 98 from the applicator 81, the finger flange 95 of the plunger 85 is depressed toward the barrel 83 using a finger, thereby causing the internal flange 93 to push the copper ion treatment 98 through the discharge opening 89 as the plunger 85 is depressed relative to the barrel 83. When the finger flange 95 meets the rearward end wall of the barrel 83, the copper ion treatment 98 will be fully discharged from the applicator. It should be appreciated that the applicator 81 could be used in conjunction with other devices for supplying the copper ion treatments to the barrel 85. It should also be appreciated that the applicator 81 can be supplied for use pre-filled with copper ion treatment 98, in which case the forward end of the barrel would be provided with a removable cap or seal. The applicator 81 is particularly advantageous for supplying the copper ion treatments to the vagina. Accordingly, prior to depressing the plunger 85 to discharge the copper ion treatment 98 from the barrel 83, the forward end of the barrel 83 would be introduced into the vagina until the rearward end of the barrel was located near the entrance to the vagina. Then, upon depressing the plunger 85, the copper ion treatment 98 is discharged from the discharge opening 89 into the vagina.

Another type of applicator useful in applying the copper ion treatments to anatomical tissue is shown at 101 in FIG. 11. The applicator 101 is in the nature of a swab comprising a handle 103 and a body of absorbent material 105 at an end of the handle 103. The applicator 101 can be used in conjunction with a container or bottle containing a copper ion treatment, such as the device 40 of FIG. 4. Upon removal of the cap 44 from the bottle 42 of the device 40, the handle 103 of the applicator 101 can be grasped with a hand used to manipulate the applicator 101 in order to dip the body of absorbent material 105 into the copper ion treatment within the bottle 42. The body of absorbent material 105 can then be gently contacted with anatomical tissue to be treated thereby causing the copper ion treatment carried by the absorbent body 105 to be deposited on the anatomical tissue to be treated. The applicator 101 is best suited for applying copper ion treatments to localized areas of the skin, nails, ear canal, nostrils, mouth and throat. Of course, it should be appreciated that swab applicators 101 can be provided in sealed packages with the bodies of absorbent material 105 pre-supplied with copper ion treatment.

Another type of carrier that can be used to deliver copper ion treatments to the vagina is a tampon. The tampon used can be a commercially available tampon or one similar thereto. The tampon can be one having an applicator including a barrel containing the absorbent tampon body and a plunger slidable within the barrel to dispose or eject the absorbent tampon body from an open forward end of the barrel once the forward end has been introduced in the vagina an appropriate distance in a commonly known manner of tampon use. In this case, an appropriate amount of copper ion treatment can be supplied to the absorbent tampon body via the open forward end of the barrel prior to introduction of the applicator in the vagina and ejection of the absorbent tampon body from the applicator into the vagina. Another suitable tampon can be one without an applicator, i.e. a digital tampon, where the absorbent tampon body is inserted in the vagina by pushing it with the fingers. In this case, the appropriate amount of copper ion treatment is simply deposited on the absorbent tampon body prior to its insertion in the vagina. In both cases, unless the tampon is going to be inserted in the vagina immediately or soon after the absorbent tampon body has been provided with the appropriate amount of copper ion treatment, the tampon should be stored in a sealed container or package until the time of its use in order to avoid evaporation of the copper ion treatment. It should be appreciated that tampon bodies to which the copper ion treatment has been supplied can be provided in sealed containers or packages, with or without an applicator, as a ready-to-use commercial product. Alternatively, the appropriate amount of copper ion treatment may be deposited by the user on the absorbent tampon bodies of tampons sold separately or in conjunction with the copper ion treatment. Preferably, the tampon bodies are supplied with an amount of copper ion-containing solution in the range of 5 to 10 milliliters.

FIG. 12 illustrates a tampon 110 according to an aspect of the present disclosure including an applicator 111 having a hollow barrel 113 and a hollow plunger 115, and an absorbent tampon body 118, to which the appropriate amount of copper ion treatment has been supplied, disposed in the barrel 113 with the string 120 of the tampon body extending from a rear end of the plunger 115. The plunger 115 is slidable within and toward the banal 113 to push the tampon body 118 and eject it from an open forward end 128 of the barrel. The forward end 128 of the barrel 113 can be tapered to facilitate introduction and advancement in the vagina and can be provided with slits that expand as the tampon body 118 passes therethrough. The tampon 110 is provided in an air-tight container or bottle 122 having a removable cap or lid 124. In order to use the tampon 110, the lid 124 is removed from the bottle 122 and the tampon 110 is removed from the bottle. The tampon 110 is inserted in the vagina in a conventional manner of using tampons. More specifically, the applicator 111 is held by grasping a finger grip 126 on the barrel 113, and the forward end 128 of the barrel is inserted in the vagina. The applicator 111 is advanced into the vagina until the fingers grasping the finger grip 126 touch the entrance to the vagina. The plunger 115 is then pushed into the barrel 113, thus causing the tampon body 118 to be ejected from the forward end 128 of the barrel into the vagina. The applicator 111 is then withdrawn from the vagina and discarded, leaving the tampon body 118 in place in the vagina. Once the tampon body 118 is in place in the vagina, the copper ion treatment carried by the tampon body contacts the anatomical tissue of the vagina and leaks into the vaginal fluid normally present in the vagina. The tampon body 118 is removed from the vagina at the appropriate time by grasping and pulling on the string 120. Examples of tampons according to an aspect of the present disclosure are described below in Examples 23 and 24.

Example 23

A tampon for delivering a copper ion treatment to the vagina is prepared by supplying 5 milliliters of a copper ion-containing solution to an absorbent tampon body intended to be introduced into the vagina.

Example 24

A tampon for delivering a copper ion treatment to the vagina is prepared by supplying 10 milliliters of a copper ion-containing solution to an absorbent tampon body intended to be introduced into the vagina.

The copper ion-containing solution used in Examples 23 and 24 is the copper ion-containing solution in its original form as obtained in accordance with the method set forth in Example 1. However, it should be appreciated that tampons can be provided in which the tampon bodies are supplied with the alternative copper ion-containing solutions or other forms of the copper ion treatments.

Another type of carrier useful to deliver the copper ion treatments to the vagina and rectum is a suppository. Suppositories are commonly used in the vagina and rectum (anus) as a means for dispensing various active ingredients or medicaments. Suppositories are made in various shapes including oviform, globular, conical and bullet shapes, and in various sizes. Suppositories typically weigh in the range of 1 to 5 grams. Suppositories can be solid bodies composed of a mixture of a suitable suppository base material and the active ingredients or medicaments. Alternatively, suppositories can be made with a solid outer wall of suppository base material enclosing non-solid active ingredients or medicaments. The suppository base materials used in suppositories allow them to dissolve or melt when exposed to the moisture (body fluid) or heat (body temperature) found in the vagina or rectum (rectal or anal canal), thereby releasing the active ingredients or medicaments into the vagina or rectum. Suitable suppository base materials include oleaginous (fatty) base materials, including cocoa butter, theobroma oil and synthetic triglycerides, or water soluble or miscible base materials, including glycerinated gelatin and polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymers. It is preferred that the base materials be non-toxic, non-irritating, inert, and biocompatible. Suppositories suitable for use in an aspect of the present disclosure can be prepared in various ways according to conventional methods for preparing suppositories including compression molding and fusion molding. Suppositories for use as vaginal and rectal suppositories according to an aspect of the present disclosure are preferably made in two different sizes, i.e. a suppository weighing 3 grams and a suppository weighing 5 grams, to accommodate different sizes of vaginal and rectal anatomy. Each size suppository can be made in different strengths based on the percentage by weight of the active ingredient. i.e. the copper ion treatment, relative to the total weight of the suppository. Preferably, the amount of copper ion-containing solution in the suppository is in the range of 5% to 30% of the total weight of the suppository. The suppositories are preferably formed in plastic molds and can be stored at room temperature. The suppositories will be effective against the body condition being treated when the only active ingredient contained in the vaginal and rectal suppositories is the copper ion treatment. However, the vaginal and rectal suppositories could contain additional ingredients that are inactive with respect to the underlying condition or conditions being treated, such as preservatives, penetrating additives, bioadhesives and stability aids. The suppositories may be inserted in the vagina and rectum using the fingers, or the suppositories may be provided with applicators to facilitate insertion thereof in the vagina and rectum. Examples of vaginal and rectal suppositories according to an aspect of the present disclosure are set forth in Examples 25-32, which utilize the copper ion-containing solution of Example 1. However, the alternative copper ion-containing solutions could be used in Examples 25-32.

Example 25

A suppository base material is combined with an appropriate amount of copper ion-containing solution and is molded into a suppository for vaginal or rectal use having a total weight of 3 grams, wherein the copper ion-containing solution constitutes 5 percent of the total weight of the suppository.

Example 26

A suppository base material is combined with an appropriate amount of copper ion-containing solution and is molded into a suppository for vaginal or rectal use having a total weight of 3 grams, wherein the copper ion-containing solution constitutes 10 percent of the total weight of the suppository.

Example 27

A suppository base material is combined with an appropriate amount of copper ion-containing solution and is molded into a suppository for vaginal or rectal use having a total weight of 3 grams, wherein the copper ion-containing solution constitutes 20 percent of the total weight of the suppository.

Example 28

A suppository base material is combined with an appropriate amount of copper ion-containing solution and is molded into a suppository for vaginal or rectal use having a total weight of 3 grams, wherein the copper ion-containing solution constitutes 30 percent of the total weight of the suppository.

Example 29

A suppository base material is combined with an appropriate amount of copper ion-containing solution and is molded into a suppository for vaginal or rectal use having a total weight of 5 grams, wherein the copper ion-containing solution constitutes 5 percent of the total weight of the suppository.

Example 30

A suppository base material is combined with an appropriate amount of copper ion-containing solution and is molded into a suppository for vaginal or rectal use having a total weight of 5 grams, wherein the copper ion-containing solution constitutes 10 percent of the total weight of the suppository.

Example 31

A suppository base material is combined with an appropriate amount of copper ion-containing solution and is molded into a suppository for vaginal or rectal use having a total weight of 5 grams, wherein the copper ion-containing solution constitutes 20 percent of the total weight of the suppository.

Example 32

A suppository base material is combined with an appropriate amount of copper ion-containing solution and is molded into a suppository for vaginal or rectal use having a total weight of 5 grams, wherein the copper ion-containing solution constitutes 30 percent of the total weight of the suppository.

FIG. 13 illustrates a strip 131 of interconnected packages or pods 132, each enclosing a vaginal or rectal suppository 130 containing a copper ion treatment. The pods 132 are separated from each other by a perforation line 133 allowing the pods 132 to be detached from each other by tearing along the perforation lines 133 as depicted in FIG. 13. Each pod 132 has front and rear walls 135 between which a suppository 130 is retained. The front and rear walls 135 are sealed to one another along their peripheral edges. As shown in FIG. 14, each pod 132 is provided with a pair of finger tabs 134 respectively attached to the front and rear walls 135, the finger tabs 134 being capable of being pulled in opposite directions using the fingers to separate the opposed walls 135 and thereby release the suppository 130 contained therein.

FIG. 15 illustrates an applicator 181 suitable for use in delivering a suppository 130 to the vagina or rectum. The applicator 181 is similar to the applicator 81 but does not have an internal thread at the forward end of the barrel 183. In addition, the plunger 186 of the applicator 181 has two internal flanges 193 a and 193 b within the barrel 183, the flange 193 a controlling the distance that the plunger can be withdrawn relative to the barrel and the flange 193 b serving to eject the suppository from the barrel when the plunger is depressed the full amount. In use, a suppository 130 is manually positioned in the open forward end of the barrel 183 as illustrated in FIG. 15. The open forward end of the barrel 183 is preferably sized to retain the suppository 130 in position without being overly snug or tight. The plunger 185 is withdrawn the full amount relative to the barrel 183, which coincides with abutment of internal flange 193 a with the rearward end wall of the barrel 183. The forward end of the barrel 183 holding the suppository is then introduced in the vagina or rectal (anal) canal, and the applicator 181 is gently pushed into the vagina or rectal canal until the fingers holding the rearward end of the barrel 183 are adjacent or touch the entrance to the vagina or rectal canal. The finger flange 195 is then depressed to push the plunger 185 toward and into the barrel 183 as shown by the arrow in FIG. 15, thus causing the flange 193 b to engage the suppository 130 and eject it from the forward end of the barrel into the vagina or rectal canal. The applicator 181 is then removed from the vagina or rectal canal, leaving the suppository in the vagina or rectal canal. The suppository will melt or dissolve in the vagina or rectal canal such that the copper ion treatment is released to contact anatomical tissue of the vagina or rectal canal and to mingle with body fluid present in the vagina or rectal canal.

Another type of carrier that can be used to deliver the copper ion treatments to anatomical tissue is a body wipe. FIG. 16 illustrates a body wipe 200 contained in a sealed package 202 having front and rear walls 203. The body wipe 200 comprises a thin sheet of material disposed in a folded condition when retained between the front and rear walls 203, which are sealed along their peripheral edges. The body wipe 200 enclosed between the front and rear walls 203 contains a wet or moist copper ion treatment. The front and rear walls 203 may be grasped by the fingers at corresponding corners thereof and pulled in opposite directions similar to the pods 132 in order to separate the front and rear walls 203 and thereby allow the body wipe 200 to be removed from the package 202. FIG. 16 shows the package 202 in a partially open condition in which corresponding corner sections of the front and rear walls 203 have been peeled away from one another thereby providing access to the body wipe 200. Upon removal from the package 202, the body wipe 200 can be unfolded to its full size, which is substantially larger than its size in the folded condition, and can be used to wipe anatomical tissue to be treated causing the copper ion treatment to be transferred to the anatomical tissue. The body wipe 200 is advantageous for applying the copper ion treatments to the skin and the external genital and rectal areas.

Another type of carrier for the copper ion treatments is a wound dressing, such as a band aid, gauze pad or similar device. Such carriers can be selected from products that are commercially available for removable application to the skin to temporarily cover and protect an affected area of the skin. FIG. 17 depicts a carrier in the nature of a wound dressing 300 having a surface 301 for being placed in contact with the skin. The surface 301 includes a protective surface 302 for being positioned over a wound, and an adhesive border surrounding the surface 302. In use, a copper ion treatment, such as the copper ion-containing solution in original form, can be liberally sprayed onto the surface 302 of the carrier that is applied adjacent or in contact with the skin. Then, when the surface 302 of the carrier is applied adjacent or in contact with the skin and the carrier is left in place on the skin for a period of time, the copper ions contact or are transferred to the skin and provide the therapeutic effects described above. Of course, it would be possible to provide carriers of this type in sealed packages in which the carriers are pre-supplied or pre-treated with the copper ion treatment similar to the body wipe 200.

A further type of carrier for the copper ion treatments is a skin patch, such as a dermal patch or a transdermal patch, represented at 400 in FIG. 18. The skin patch 400 has a drug delivery surface 401 containing the copper ion treatment surrounded by an adhesive border 402. The patch is applied to the skin and left in place for a period of time with the drug delivery surface in contact with the skin, causing the copper ions to diffuse through the skin where they can act locally or penetrate the capillaries for broader systemic effects. Examples of suitable transdermal patches are the transdermal and microneedle 3M Drug Delivery Systems manufactured by 3M Corporation.

An additional type of carrier for the copper ion treatments is suture material, represented at 500 in FIG. 19, used by medical professionals to close or suture external or internal incisions or wounds, i.e. “stitches.” Prior to using the suture material 500, which can be conventional suture material, the suture material can be soaked in the copper ion-containing solution for a period of time in order to cover or saturate the suture material with the solution. Suture material can also be stored in sealed packages containing the copper ion-containing solution. Then, when the suture material 500 is used to create sutures or stitches in anatomical tissue T as seen in FIG. 19, the copper ions in the solution contact the anatomical tissue and provide the therapeutic effects previously described.

The copper ion-containing solution and the other forms of copper ion treatments described herein can be used on anatomical tissue in various areas of the body including the genital-rectal areas (vagina, vulva, penis, scrotum, rectum (anus), rectal (anal) canal and surrounding anatomical areas), the oral-respiratory-otic areas (mouth, throat, airway, nostrils and ears) and the dermatological areas (skin and nails) of the body. The treatment effects provided by the copper ion treatments encompass treatment of active or existing disease and other undesirable body conditions as well as the prevention of such diseases and conditions. The copper ion treatments are especially beneficial for their ability to kill or neutralize harmful or undesired pathogens and microbes including bacteria, viruses and fungi. Although the copper ion treatments am applied topically to anatomical tissue and have a localized effect on diseases and undesirable body conditions affecting the anatomical tissue, the copper ion treatments also have a broader systemic effect on diseases and undesirable body conditions. The effects realized with the copper ion treatments include antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, anti-pathogenic, anti-inflammatory, spermicidal, neutralization of free radicals, promotion of healing and tissue repair, prevention of biofilm, and immune-boosting effects. The diseases or conditions affecting the genital-rectal areas that are treatable with the copper ion treatments include vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis, hemorrhoids, vaginal dryness, imbalances in vaginal pH, bacterial infections caused by gonorrhea, chlamydia, streptococcus and staphylococcus, protozoan infections caused by trichomonas, pelvic inflammatory disease, viral infections caused by herpes (I and II), HPV and HIV, fungal infections caused by yeast candida, thrush and other fungi, exposure to sexually transmitted diseases, and the risk of undesired pregnancy (contraception). The diseases or conditions affecting the oral-respiratory-otic areas that are treatable with the copper ion treatments include bacterial infections caused by gonorrhea, chlamydia, streptococcus and staphylococcus, protozoan infections caused by trichomonas, viral infections caused by herpes (I and II), HPV and HIV, canker sores, mouth sores, mouth ulcers, colds, sinusitis, rhinosinusitis, sore throat, nasal discharge, congestion, runny nose, bronchitis, allergies, asthma, tonsillitis, wheezing, sneezing, ear infections, earache, pressure in the ears, cough, hoarseness, laryngitis, sore gums, periodontal disease, bad breath and tooth decay. The diseases or conditions affecting the dermatological areas that are treatable with the copper ion treatments include bacterial infections caused by staphylococcus, streptococcus, enterobacter, E. coli and pseudomonas, viral infections caused by shingles and the associated postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) (a chronic, painful condition that can follow shingles), herpes (I and II) and HPV, fungal infections such as athlete's foot, ringworm and toenail fungus, impetigo, rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, warts, sun/wind damage, dry skin, age spots, pigmentation, scarring, blisters, boils, cysts, pimples, cuts, scratches, burns, abrasions, splinters, insect bites and stings, animal bites and scratches, ulcers, loss of elasticity or collagen, wrinkles, sagging skin, acne, measles, chicken pox, and the presence of pathogens and microbes on the skin that is an inevitable consequence of daily life. Based on the result of laboratory testing, it is expected that the copper ion treatments will kill bacteria causing bacterial vaginosis, gonorrhea and chlamydia, and the viruses responsible for herpes (I and II) and HIV at a kill rate of 99.99 percent in 6 hours. Accordingly, the copper ion treatments are sufficiently effective to “cure” the diseases and conditions described herein and to prevent the occurrence or development of such diseases and conditions. Similarly, copper has been demonstrated as having the capability to kill or render inactive staphylococcus, streptococcus, enterobacter, trichomonas, E. coli and pseudomonas. The copper ion treatments are highly effective at treating the various abnormal or undesired body conditions while being safe and non-toxic. In particular, copper toxicity is so rare that the World Health Organization (WHO) has determined that there is no need for setting an upper threshold for the ingestion of copper. The copper ion treatments can thus be safely used without concern for overdosing or improper use. Moreover, it is believed that, to date, no bacteria or other harmful microorganisms have been found to be capable of developing a resistance to copper, in contrast to the many bacteria and organisms that have developed or are in the process of developing resistance to conventional antibiotics. The multi-target effects of copper makes bacterial resistance extremely unlikely as copper kills bacteria very quickly and leaves almost no survivors. Consequently, there is neither the time for bacteria to “learn” how to resist the killing effect of copper or the possibility to pass on any knowledge to a significant population of survivors. The copper ion treatments provide a degree of efficacy and safety for treating a wide array of diseases and body conditions that far surpasses conventional pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical products and drugs available for treating the same conditions.

Example 33 Treatment of Osteoarthritis Associated Chronic Pain with 3VM1001 Cream Study Design

This study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study of the use of 2 g of 3VM1001 cream, applied thrice daily, for the treatment of chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee compared to the inactive vehicle as a placebo. The composition of 3VM1001 cream is provided in Example 34. Subjects were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to one of two treatment arms (a) treatment with 3VM1001 cream or (b) placebo (3VM1002). A total of 50 subjects were enrolled, out of which 40 subjects were evaluable.

The treatment phase consisted of a total of 90 self-administered treatments for chronic pain with either 3VM1001 cream or placebo. All subjects were to have three (3) study visits: an initial Screening/Entry (Visit 1) which may have taken place on two days over a period of seven days to allow for a knee radiograph to be taken and reviewed, a follow up visit at Day 7 after commencement of treatment (Visit 2) and a final visit (Visit 3) at 30 days after the commencement of treatment. Visits 2 and 3 may take place ±3 days from the due date.

The results from one of the two study sites are summarized below.

Statistical Methods

The primary efficacy endpoint was the change from baseline in the time-averaged self-reported Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score. Secondary endpoints included the following:

-   -   1. Change from baseline in the (VAS) score at Visits 2 and 3.     -   2. Change from baseline in the time-averaged self-reported WOMAC         (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities) Pain Subscale score.     -   3. The change in the Global Rating of Disease from Baseline         (Day 0) to Day 30.     -   4. The Patient Global Impression of Change from Baseline in         Osteoarthritis.     -   5. The change in Patient Global Assessment of Treatment         Satisfaction from baseline to the end of the study.     -   6. The use of rescue medication.

The time-averaged mean change from baseline in the VAS for each subject was calculated by first computing the area under the curve (AUC) of the changes from baseline vs. study day curve using the trapezoidal rule. The AUC was then divided by the number of study days from the first to the last observation. These time-averaged means were analyzed by a one-way analysis of covariance that included the effects of treatment group and baseline VAS. Data from all study days (including those beyond 30 days) were included in the calculation of the time-averaged means. The mean changes from baseline in the daily VAS scores were created by first imputing all missing data through Day 30 by carrying the last value forward.

Change from baseline in the VAS score at Visits 2 and 3 were each analyzed by a one-way analysis of covariance that included the effects of treatment group and baseline VAS.

Change from baseline in the WOMAC Pain Subscale score at Visits 2 and 3 were each analyzed by a one-way analysis of covariance that included the effects of treatment group and baseline score. Time-averaged mean changes from baseline and daily mean graphs were done as described above for self-reported VAS scores.

The change in the Global Rating of Disease from Baseline (Day 0) to Day 30 was analyzed by the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel procedure by assigning uniform scores (0-4) to each of the ordered outcomes of the 5-point scale, stratified by the baseline score.

The Patient Global Impression of Change from Baseline in Osteoarthritis Pain was analyzed by the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel procedure by assigning uniform scores (0-6) to each of the ordered outcomes of the 7-point scale.

The change in Patient Global Assessment of Treatment Satisfaction from baseline to the end of the study was analyzed by the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel procedure by assigning uniform scores (0-4) to each of the ordered outcomes of the 5-point scale.

The use of rescue medication was analyzed by counting the number of days each subject took one or more doses of rescue medication. Subjects who terminated prematurely or did not have exactly 30 diary days had their number of days with rescue medication normalized to 30 days by dividing the number of days they took a rescue medication by the number of days they had diary data and multiplying by 30. These data were analyzed by a two-sample t test.

The primary and all secondary analyses were two-sided and tested at a significance level of 5%.

Results

Table 1 summarizes demographic data for the two treatment groups. Demographically, the two groups were comparable.

TABLE 1 Demographic Summary 3VM1001 Placebo (N = 11) (N = 12) Age N 9 12 Mean 58.1 61.9 Range 49-73 52-74 Sex Males: n (%) 6 (54.5%) 7 (58.3%) Females: n (%) 5 (45.5%) 5 (41.7%) Race Black: n (%) 6 (54.5%) 4 (33.3%) Caucasian: n (%) 5 (45.5%) 8 (66.7%)

Table 2 summarizes the time-averaged changes from baseline I the VAS and the WOMAC scores. Mean improvements over placebo were 16.2 and 3.1 for the VAS and WOMAC, respectively.

TABLE 2 Mean Time-Averaged Changes From Baseline in Daily Diary Scores VAS WOMAC Total 3VM1001 Placebo 3VM1001 Placebo Baseline Mean 69.6 65.6 16.4 16.4 Changes N 10 12 10 12 Mean¹ −26.1 −9.9 −4.47 −1.37 Difference −16.2 (−36.6 to 4.2) −3.10 (−6.48 to 0.28) (95% CI) P-Value 0.113 0.011 ¹Adjusted for baseline

Mean changes from baseline over time for the VAS and WOMAC are shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, respectively. Trends favoring 3VM1001 are seen throughout the entire 30 days of treatment.

Table 3 summarizes the changes from baseline in the VAS scores at Days 7 and 30. Mean improvements over placebo were 22.8 and 13.1 at Days 7 and 30, respectively.

TABLE 3 VAS Scores at Days 7 and 30 Day 7 Day 30 3VM1001 Placebo 3VM1001 Placebo Baseline Mean 67.8 65.6 69.6 65.6 Changes N 11 12 10 12 Mean¹ −28.6 −5.8 −31.0 −17.9 Difference −22.8 (−45.1 to −0.6) −13.1 (−36.0 to 9.7) (95% CI) P-Value 0.045 0.24 ¹Adjusted for baseline

Table 4 summarizes the changes from baseline in the WOMAC scores at Days 7 and 30. Mean improvements over placebo were 5.4 and 2.4 at Days 7 and 30, respectively.

TABLE 4 WOMAC Total Scores at Day 7 and 30 Day 7 Day 30 3VM1001 Placebo 3VM1001 Placebo Baseline Mean 16.3 16.4 16.4 16.2 Changes N 11 12 10 11 Mean¹ −5.57 −0.14 −5.94 −3.51 Difference −5.43 (−9.27 to −1.58) −2.43 (−6.96 to 1.84) (95% CI) P-Value 0.008 0.25 ¹Adjusted for baseline

Table 5 summarizes the satisfaction with the current treatment; Table 6 summarizes the improvement with treatment; and Table 7 summarizes the global rating of disease. In each, the 3VM1001 showed consistently higher scores throughout treatment.

TABLE 5 Satisfaction With Current Treatment Day 7 Day 30 3VM1001 Placebo 3VM1001 Placebo Very 0 0 0 0 Dissatisfied Dissatisfied 1 4 3 2 No Preference 3 3 1 2 Satisfied 2 4 1 6 Very Satisfied 5 1 5 2 P-Value 0.075 0.79

TABLE 6 Improvement With Treatment Day 7 Day 30 3VM1001 Placebo 3VM1001 Placebo Very much 0 0 3 2 improved Much improved 3 2 1 0 Improved 5 4 2 5 No change 3 4 4 4 Worse 0 0 0 0 Much worse 0 1 0 1 Very much 0 1 0 0 worse P-Value 0.15 0.34

TABLE 7 Global Rating of Disease Baseline Day 7 Day 30 3VM- 3VM- 3VM- 1001 Placebo 1001 Placebo 1001 Placebo Excellent 0 0 1 0 0 0 Very good 0 0 1 1 3 2 Good 1 0 2 0 4 2 Fair 7 7 4 6 1 7 Poor 4 5 3 5 2 1 P-value 0.32 0.55

Table 8 summarizes the use of rescue medication. Thirty percent of the subjects who received 3VM1001 took at least one dose of rescue medication, compared to 50% of placebo subjects.

TABLE 8 Use of Rescue Medication 3VM1001 Placebo P-Value N 10 12 Subjects who took at 3 (30%) 6 (50%) least one dose: n (%) Mean 4.2 4.4 0.95¹ Range 0-26.5 0-22.9 Median 0 0.5 0.51² ¹Two sample t test ²Wilcoxon Rank Sum test

Table 9 summarizes adverse events. All events were rated as mild and all were rated remote or unrelated by the investigator, except for headache, which was not rated for causality. No action was taken for any adverse event, except the bacterial skin infection which appeared to be the result of a sports injury not the 3VM1001 cream, and which resulted in the patient terminating from the study.

TABLE 9 Adverse Event Summary 3VM1001 Placebo (N = 11) (N = 12) Adverse Event n (%) n (%) Bacterial skin infection—R knee 1 (9.1%) 0 (0%) Cold symptoms 0 (0%) 1 (8.3%) Headache 0 (0%) 1 (8.3%) Minimal erythema—Left Knee 1 (9.1%) 0 (0%) Stomach Virus 0 (0%) 1 (8.3%) Tooth Pain 0 (0%) 1 (8.3%)

Example 34 Preparation of the Copper Ion Bulk Suspension

A copper-containing suspension was created by incubating 16 copper strips (3.625 inches×2.25 inches×0.3 inches) in 2 L of 0.9% sodium chloride buffered to approximately pH 5 by the addition of 0.016 g sodium phosphate monobasic anhydrous. The copper strips were separated by stainless steel rods as shown in FIG. 22. The 0.9% sodium chloride solution was placed into a closed borosilicate glass container in an oven heated to 37° C. and the copper strips and stainless steel rods (6 rods for every 8 copper strips) were placed into a glass dish and heated to 37° C. in the same oven. Once the sodium chloride solution reached a temperature of 37° C., the copper strips were placed into the saline solution and allowed to incubate for 24 hours±30 minutes. The copper strips and stainless steel rods were subsequently removed (FIG. 23), and the remaining suspension was measured and collected into clean glass containers for immediate use, as shown in FIGS. 24-25. As shown in FIGS. 23-25, precipitated copper salts form a sediment on the bottom of the container. The total measured volume of bulk suspension, including the precipitate was 32 oz.

Composition of the 3VM1001 Cream

This example provides an analysis of three of the 3VM1001 products: the bulk suspension used in the production of the 3VM1001 cream; a similar bulk suspension manufactured without the use of sodium phosphate, and the 3VM1001 cream itself. The bulk suspension is a combination of a liquid phase and a solid phase. If left to stand, the solid phase will form a precipitate at the bottom of the bulk container. The objective, in part, of the analyses performed, was to assess the amount of copper found in the liquid phase of the bulk suspension and the cream.

TABLE 10 Copper Composition of Bulk Suspension and 3VM1001 Cream Test Liquid phase Cu in Liquid Solid Phase Cu in Solid Article Composition phase Composition Phase Bulk Sodium Below limit Copper 37 suspension chloride of detection phosphate; μg/mL with (500 ppb) copper phosphate hydroxide Bulk Sodium 0.94 Copper 9.99 suspension chloride, μg/mL hydroxide μg/mL without copper phosphate chloride Cream 11.5 1.7 μg/mL μg/mL

Table 10 shows that the solubility of the copper in the liquid phase by more than 20-fold in the cream, compared to the bulk suspension. Cu is primarily present in the liquid phase of the cream at 11.5 μg/mL, compared to 500 ppb (0.5 μg/mL) for the bulk suspension with phosphate. Thus, the amount of copper present in the liquid phase is substantially enhanced in the 3VM1001 cream compared to the bulk suspension. This enhanced solubility was surprising and unexpected. Because dissolved copper is expected to have substantially greater bioavailability than a solid precipitate, this finding provides a rationale for the therapeutic effect of the 3VM1001 cream.

To prepare the 3VM1001 cream, the bulk suspension is combined with a cream base, such as VersaBase. Unless otherwise noted, the 3VM1001 cream comprises 30% bulk suspension. More dilute creams with a lower percentage of bulk suspension and correspondingly higher percentage of cream base were also prepared and tested, such as 3VM1001 20% (20% bulk suspension), 3VM1001 10% (10% bulk suspension), and 3VM1001 5% (5% bulk suspension). The composition of VersaBase is shown in Table 11, below.

The use of phosphate provides for a greater total copper concentration in the precipitate (37 μg/mL compared to about 10 μg/mL in the phosphate free bulk). See Table 10. Use of the phosphate bulk at a 30% concentration in the cream (which would be expected to produce a final concentration of about 11 μg/mL [30% of 37 μg/mL]) produces a copper cream product at a concentration of 11.5 μg/mL in the liquid phase.

TABLE 11 VersaBase Cream Quantitative Composition INCI Name (Chemical Name) % Trade Name Manufacturer Water 71.08% N/A N/A Emulsifying 11.00% Polawax NF- Croda Inc. Wax NF PA-(MH) Ethylhexyl Stearate  8.00% Lexol EHS Inolex Inc./Nexeo Cyclopentasiloxane  5.00% Xiameter ® Xiameter ® from PMX-0245 Dow Corning/ Cyclopentasiloxane Univar USA Sorbitol USP FCC  4.00% Sorbo ® Sorbitol Ingredion/Univar Solution USP/FCC Chicago Tocopheryl Acetate  0.50% DL-A-Tocopheryl DSM Nutritional USP Acetate Products Aloe Barbadensis  0.20% Aloe Vera Gel Aloe Vera of Leaf Juice Powder Freeze Dried California Inc. Powder 200:1 Extract-Micronized Disodium EDTA  0.18% Versene ™ NA Dow Chemical USP FCC JECFA Chelating Agent Company/Univar USA Methylchloroiso-  0.04% Kathon ™ CG Rohm and Haas thiazolinone Preservative Chemicals LLC Methyliso- thiazolinone

Composition of the LUXSOL Gel

To prepare a gel for use in the present disclosure, the bulk suspension is combined with a gel base, such as VersaBase gel. The VersaBase gel consists of the following ingredients:

-   -   Water     -   Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer     -   Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder     -   Allantoin     -   Disodium EDTA     -   Methylchloroisothiazolinone     -   Methylisothiazolinone

Unless otherwise noted, the LUXSOL gel comprises 30% bulk suspension. More dilute creams with a lower percentage of bulk suspension and correspondingly higher percentage of gel base were also prepared and tested, such as LUXSOL gel 20% (20% bulk suspension), LUXSOL gel % (10% bulk suspension), and LUXSOL gel 5% (5% bulk suspension).

Composition of the LUXSOL Suppository

To prepare the suppositories, the bulk suspension is combined with a suppository base comprising hydrogenated vegetable oil and PEG-8 distearate.

Unless otherwise noted, the LUXSOL Suppository comprises 30% bulk suspension. More dilute suppositories with a lower percentage of bulk suspension and correspondingly higher percentage of suppository base were also prepared and tested, such as LUXSOL Suppository 20% (20% bulk suspension), LUXSOL Suppository % (10% bulk suspension), and LUXSOL Suppository 5% (5% bulk suspension).

Example 35

The systemic and dermal toxicity and toxicokinetics of 3VM1001 cream were evaluated following 30 days of 4-times daily topical administration to Sprague Dawley rats, followed by a 2-week recovery period.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the systemic and dermal toxicity and toxicokinetics of the test article following 30 days of 4-times daily topical administration to Sprague Dawley rats, followed by a 2-week recovery period.

A total of 92 rats (46 males and 46 females) were randomized into 2 treatment groups, including a vehicle control group (Group 1) and one test article group (Group 2). Each group included a toxicity portion with 2 cohorts (main and recovery) and a toxicokinetic (TK) portion. Animals received a topical administration of either vehicle cream (Group 1) or test cream (3VM1001 cream—Group 2) 4 times daily for 30 consecutive days. Blood samples for TK analysis were collected on study Day 1 (1 time point for control group and 6 time points for test group) and study Day 30 (1 time point for control group and 7 time points for test group) from TK animals. Main study animals (10 animals/gender/group) were euthanized on Day 31 and recovery animals (5 animals/gender/group) were euthanized on Day 44 following a 2-week period without treatment.

TABLE 12 No. of Animals/Sex Treatment Dose No. of Target Calculated (Recovery) (Cu conc. as Amount ^(b) Daily Dose Level ^(c) Dose Level ^(d) Group Main TK μg/mL) (mL/kg/dose) Doses (μg Cu/kg/day) (μg Cu/kg/day) 1 10 (5) 3 + 1 3VM1002 0.33 4 0 0 (Vehicle) Vehicle Cream (0) 2 10 (5) 9 + 1 3VM1001 0.33 4 14.4 18-20 Cream (12) ^(a) Note: The actual density of test article was determined to be 1 g of cream = ~1.1 mL instead of 1 mL as claimed; The actual dose level was calculated based on the provided CoAs (concentration: 17 μg copper/g at predose and 15 μg copper/g at post dose). ^(a) Nominal copper concentration. ^(b) Dose amount was increased from 0.3 mL/kg/dose to 0.33 mL/kg/dose (Protocol Amendment 2). ^(c) Target dose level (μg Cu/kg/day) = 3.6 (μg Cu/kg/dose) × 4 (times/day). ^(d) See Table 6 for an explanation.

All animals were dosed appropriately during the study. There were no unscheduled deaths or significant moribundity for any animal. There were no findings during physical examinations, clinical observations or dose site Draize scoring that indicated an adverse effect of test article exposure. Animals consumed food normally each day, and gained weight during the study, without significant differences in body weight between groups at any time point. Between-group differences in clinical pathology parameters (hematology, serum chemistry) were of low magnitude, and consistent with normal biologic variation. There were no important differences in organ weights (only kidney weight higher in male recovery animals), and no gross or microscopic pathology findings that were attributable to test article exposure.

The TK results indicated that there was no Cu absorption or accumulation after 30 consecutive days of four times daily topical administration of 3VM1001 cream. The quantifiable serum Cu concentrations in Group 2 3VM1001 cream (test) animals were similar to or less than those of Group 1 3VM1002 cream (vehicle control). 3VM1002 has the same composition as 3VM1001, except that it lacks copper ions

In conclusion, the no observable effect level for 3VM1001 cream applied topically to Sprague Dawley rats four times daily for 30 consecutive days is greater than or equal to 18 μg copper/kg/day.

Example 36

The objective of this study was to evaluate the systemic and dermal toxicity and toxicokinetics of 3VM1001 cream following topical administration to Hanford minipigs, followed by a 2-week recovery period.

Two groups of miniature swine, each containing 12 animals (6 animals per gender) were successfully treated with either vehicle control (3VM1002 cream—Group 1) or the test article (3VM1001 cream (containing copper, Cu)—Group 2), administered topically 4 times daily for 30 consecutive days. Two animals per gender per group were followed for an additional 2 weeks without treatment. Animals were evaluated for signs of toxicity through physical examinations, clinical observations, body weight and body weight change, dose site Draize scoring, clinical pathology (hematology, coagulation, serum chemistry and urinalysis), electrocardiography, ophthalmology, organ weight and histopathology. Toxicokinetic characteristics were assessed on study Day 1 and Day 30.

TABLE 13 No. of Animal Treatment Dose No. of Target Calculated (Recovery) (Cu conc. as Amount ^(b) Daily Dose Level ^(c) Dose Level ^(d) Group Male Female μg/g) (mL/kg/dose) Doses (μg Cu/kg/day) (μg Cu/kg/day) 1 4 (2) 4 (2) 3VM1002 0.33 4 0 0 (Vehicle) Vehicle Cream (0) 2 4 (2) 4 (2) 3VM1001 0.33 4 14.4 18-20 Cream (12) ^(a) Note: The actual density of test article was determined to be 1 g of cream = 1.1 mL instead of claimed as 1 g of cream = 1 mL; The actual dose level was calculated based on the provided CoAs (concentration: 17 μg copper/g at predose and 15 μg copper/g at post dose). ^(a) Nominal copper concentration. ^(b) Dose amount was increased from 0.3 mL/kg/dose to 0.33 mL/kg/dose on Day 3 (Protocol Amendment 2, Appendix I). ^(c) Target dose level (ug Cu/kg/day) = 3.6 (μg Cu/kg/dose) × 4 (times/day). ^(d) See Table 6 for an explanation.

All animals were dosed appropriately during the study. There were no unscheduled deaths or significant moribundity for any animal. There were no findings during physical examinations, clinical observations or dose site Draize scoring that indicated an adverse effect of test article exposure. Animals generally consumed all food offered each day, and gained weight during the study, without significant differences in body weight between groups at any time point. There were no test article associated findings with respect to electrocardiography or ophthalmology assessments. Between-group differences in clinical pathology parameters (hematology, coagulation, serum chemistry and urinalysis) were of low magnitude, and consistent with normal biologic variation. There were no important differences in organ weights, and no gross or microscopic pathology findings that were attributable to test article exposure.

Serum Cu concentrations (TK) were determined for control animals (1 hour postdose), 7 time points in test animals on study Day 1 and Day 30 and on termination days on 31 and 44. The TK results indicated that there was no Cu absorption or accumulation after 30 consecutive days of four times daily topical administration of 3VM1001 cream. The quantifiable serum Cu concentrations in Group 2 3VM1001 cream (test) animals were similar to or less than those of Group 1 3VM1002 cream (vehicle control).

In conclusion, the no observable effect level for 3VM1001 cream administered topically to miniature swine four times daily for 30 consecutive days is greater than or equal to 18 μg copper/kg/day.

Example 37

A suspension consisting of 46 μg/mL of copper in 0.9% normal saline with 0.8 g/L NaPO₄ added for pH adjustment (referred to herein as 3VM1000) was evaluated for the potential to induce chromosome aberrations in HPBL during short (3-hour) and long (22-hour) incubations with or without an exogenous metabolic activation system.

HPBL cultures were treated with the test article, positive control, or vehicle control in the presence and absence of an Aroclor™ 1254-induced rat liver S9 microsomal fraction. The saline concentration in the culture medium was 10% v/v. 3VM1000 concentrations tested in the range-finding assay ranged from 1%-10% v/v in culture, up to the highest feasible concentration dosing 10% of the provided solution. Precipitates were observed at the end of treatment at 10% in each treatment. Based on cytotoxicity (i.e., reduction in mitotic index) observed in the range-finding assay, concentrations used during the chromosome aberration assay ranged from 2%-10% v/v in culture.

The concentrations selected for evaluation of chromosome aberrations in the aberration assay were based on precipitates and are as follows: a) 3-hour treatment without metabolic activation, 4%, 6% (highest concentration tested without precipitates), and 8% (lowest concentration tested with precipitates); b) 22-hour treatment, 6%, 8% (highest concentration tested without precipitates), and 10% (lowest concentration tested with precipitates); and c) 3-hour treatment with activation, 2%, 4% (highest concentration tested without precipitates), and 6% (lowest concentration tested with precipitates). These cultures, along with the vehicle and 1 concentration of positive control for each treatment condition, were analyzed for aberrations. Structural chromosome aberrations were scored for each concentration from a total of 300 metaphase cells (when possible) or ≥50 aberrant cells. Numerical aberrations were evaluated in 400 metaphase cells per concentration.

No statistically significant differences in the percent of cells with structural chromosome aberrations or the percent of cells with greater than 1 aberration were noted under any assay condition. In addition, there was no statistically significant test article-related increase in numerical aberrations (polyploidy or endoreduplication) in any treatment compared to the vehicle controls. The data from the vehicle, negative, and positive controls demonstrated the validity and sensitivity of this test system.

3VM1000 was considered negative for inducing structural aberrations in HPBL with or without metabolic activation under the conditions of this test system. In addition, no statistically significant increases in numerical aberrations (polyploidy or endoreduplication) were observed in 3VM1000-treated cultures.

Example 38

The objective of this study was to assess the potential of the test article to induce micronuclei in polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs) in rat bone marrow following 3 consecutive days of treatment administered by oral gavage. This assay evaluated compounds for in vivo clastogenic activity and/or disruption of the mitotic apparatus.

3VM1000 in the vehicle (0.9% sodium chloride, USP) was administered orally by gavage once daily for 3 consecutive days to 3 groups (Groups 2-4) of Crl:CD(SD) rats. Dosage levels were 0.046, 0.153, and 0.46 mg/kg/day for Groups 2, 3, and 4, respectively. A concurrent vehicle control group (Group 1) received the vehicle on a comparable regimen. A positive control group (Group 5) received a single oral dose of 60 mg/kg cyclophosphamide monohydrate (CPS) on study day 2, the day prior to the scheduled euthanasia. The dose volume was 10 mL/kg for all groups. Each group consisted of 6 animals/sex. All animals were euthanized on study day 3, at approximately 18-24 hours following dose administration for Groups 1-4 and at approximately 24 hours following dose administration for Group 5, and discarded following bone marrow collection.

All animals were observed twice daily for mortality and moribundity. Detailed physical examinations were performed and individual body weights were recorded weekly (±2 days) during acclimation, on the day of randomization, on study day 0 (prior to dosing), on study day 2 (last day of dosing), and on the day of the scheduled euthanasia. Clinical examinations were performed at the time of dose administration and 1-2 hours following dose administration. Individual food weights were recorded weekly (±2 days) during acclimation, on the day of randomization, on study day 0, and on the day of the scheduled euthanasia. Bone marrow collection for micronucleus evaluation was performed for 5 of 6 animals/sex/group at the scheduled euthanasia (study day 3). All animals were discarded without necropsy at the scheduled euthanasia. Bone marrow smears were prepared and the coded slides were counted for polychromatic, normochromatic, and micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes following the final bone marrow sample collection on study day 3.

All animals survived to the scheduled euthanasia. There were no test article-related clinical observations or effects on body weights or food consumption. 3VM1000 did not produce an increase in the mean number of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MN-PCEs) compared to the vehicle control group. No bone marrow cytotoxicity (decreases in the ratio of polychromatic to total erythrocytes, PCE:TE ratio) was noted in any test article-treated group. Therefore, 3VM1000 met the criteria for a negative response for bone marrow cytotoxicity and clastogenicity under the conditions of this assay.

Based on the results of this study, oral administration of 3VM1000 once daily to Crl:CD(SD) rats for 3 consecutive days resulted in a negative response for induction of bone marrow micronuclei at dosage levels up to 0.46 mg/kg/day.

Example 39

The objective of this study was to determine the potential of 3VM1001 cream to produce a skin sensitization reaction following dermal topical administrations (induction exposures) followed by a challenge dose to young adult guinea pigs.

This study was conducted with thirty-nine (39) healthy female young adult guinea pigs. Twenty one (21) animals were administered with 3VM1001 cream, seven (7) animals were administered with DNCB (dinitro-chloro-benzene) as positive controls and eleven (11) animals were administered with 3VM1002 cream, the vehicle cream, as negative controls. There were two test phases (induction and challenge phase) in the proposed experiment. In the induction phase (Day 1), each animal was topically administered with either test or control substance on the flank area for 6±0.5 hours. The same procedure was performed three (3) times per week for three (3) consecutive weeks for the two control groups and the test group. For the challenge phase (Day 32), the untreated flank areas of test and control animals were topically administered with the appropriate amount of test or control substance using an occlusion patch for 6±0.5 hours. Dermal irritation was scored at 24±2 and 48±2 hours post challenge phase patch removal.

No skin irritation was observed to be associated with administration of the test or control cream at either scoring time points (24 or 48 hours).

In conclusion, the 3VM1001 cream did not cause skin sensitization reaction under the conditions of this study.

Example 40

3VM1001 showed ≥99.99% antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans in an in vitro test.

Organism Preparation

Stock cultures was transferred into appropriate growth media and subcultured on solid media three times.

Inoculum Suspension Preparation and Determination of the Microbial Population

The inoculum suspensions were enumerated in duplicate by standard microbiological procedures at the initiation and completion of testing. Appropriate dilutions were prepared and enumerated by standard microbiological procedures

-   -   To prepare the inoculum suspension from an agar plate, microbial         growth from the agar surface was washed with buffered phosphate         diluent.     -   10⁻¹, 10⁻², 10⁻³, 10⁻⁴, 10⁻⁵, 10⁻⁶, 10⁻⁷, 10⁻⁸, 10⁻⁹, 10⁻¹⁰         dilutions of the organism were prepared.     -   1.0 ml of each dilution was plated onto the growth media. The         plates were incubated at 37° C. for 48 hours aerobically.     -   The plates were then observed for growth after 48 hours         incubation.     -   Colonies were counted.

The inoculum suspension carrying a minimum of 10⁸ cfu/mL microbial population was selected. The final inoculum suspension was well mixed prior to addition to test materials.

Procedure

Each concentration was tested in duplicate. Each recovery sample was plated in duplicate. The microbial population inoculated was contained a minimum of 10⁶ cfu/mL. Before initiating the actual test, the samples were screened for sterility. All liquid containers were disinfected by swabbing thoroughly with 95% ethanol, rinsing with 95% ethanol, and air-drying inside biosafety hood. Ten gram of the test sample was added to sterile glass tubes. 0.1 ml of organism suspensions were added directly onto the test sample tube and control tube contained 10 ml of sterile phosphate buffer. Tubes were vortexed thoroughly to mix the organisms and placed at 37° C. in the incubator set at that temperature for the specified contact time.

After 1 hr and 6 hrs of incubation, 1 ml aliquots were removed and added to 9 ml of sterile DE Neutralizing broth in tubes. Suspensions were vortexed and 10-fold serial dilutions were prepared. Aliquots of 1 ml from each dilution were plated in duplicate and plates were incubated at 37° C. for 48 hours aerobically. Colonies were counted, and the concentration of viable cells were calculated. Surviving Organisms were identified by growth on Columbia CNA agar. Organisms were identified by biochemical tests (catalase negative, oxidase negative) and growth of Gram-positive cocci on Columbia CNA agar was detected by Gram staining.

Results

TABLE 14 3VM1001 Cream showed ≥99.99% antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans Concentration of Organism (CFU/ml) Exposure Streptococcus mutans ATCC# 25175 % Log Sample ID Time Replicate Cfu/ml Average Reduction reduction Control 0 Hr A 88000000 99000000 9.4 × 10⁷ — — 110000000 B 87000000 89000000 91000000 3VM1000 1 Hr A 0 0 0 ≥99.99% 7.99 30 ml 0 B 0 0 0 3VM1000 6 Hr A 0 0 0 ≥99.99% 7.99 30 ml 0 B 0 0 0

Conclusion

3VM1001 showed ≥99.99% antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans ATCC #25175 after 1 hour or 6 hours of contact time.

Example 41

3VM1001 cream showed ≥99.99% antimicrobial activity against Gardnerella vaginalis.

Summary:

The test material was brought into contact with a known population of organisms for a specified exposure time at a specified temperature. The activity of the test material was monitored at specified exposure times and the surviving organisms enumerated. The percent reduction, from either an initial population or test blank, is calculated.

Test Materials:

3VM1001, 5%, 10%, 20% or 30%. The cream was prepared according to Example 34 with 5%, 10%, 20% or 30% bulk suspension.

Test Method:

The procedure was the same as described in Example 40, except that surviving organisms were identified by: growth on chocolate agar, no growth on MacConkey agar, and biochemical tests (catalase negative, oxidase negative).

Results:

TABLE 15 3VM1001 cream showed ≥99.99% antimicrobial activity against Gardnerella vaginalis Concentration of Organism (CFU/ml) Exposure Gardnerella vaginalis ATCC# 49145 % Log Sample ID Time Replicate Cfu/ml Average Reduction reduction Control 0 Hr A 1500000 1800000 2.1 × 10⁶ — — 2100000 B 2000000 2400000 2800000 Cream 5% 6 Hr A 0 0 0 ≥99.99% 6.3 0 B 0 0 0 Cream 10% 6 Hr A 0 0 0 ≥99.99% 6.3 0 B 0 0 0 Cream 20% 6 Hr A 0 0 0 ≥99.99% 6.3 0 B 0 0 0 Cream 30% 6 Hr A 0 0 0 ≥99.99% 6.3 0 B 0 0 0

Conclusion:

3VM1001 cream at 5%, 10%, 20% and 30% showed ≥99.99% antimicrobial activity against Gardnerella vaginalis ATCC #49145 at 6 hours of contact time.

Example 42

The LUXSOL gel showed ≥99.99% antimicrobial activity against Gardnerella vaginalis.

Test Materials:

LUXSOL Gel 5%, Gel 10%, Gel 20%, Gel 30% The gel was prepared according to Example 34 with 5%, 10%, 20% or 30% bulk suspension.

Test Method:

The procedure was the same as described in Example 41.

Results:

TABLE 16 LUXSOL gel showed ≥99.99% antimicrobial activity against Gardnerella vaginalis Concentration of Organism (CFU/ml) Exposure Gardnerella vaginalis ATCC# 49145 % Log Sample ID Time Replicated Cfu/ml Average Reduction reduction Control 0 Hr A 1500000 1800000 2.1 × 10⁶ — — 2100000 B 2000000 2400000 2800000 Gel 5% 6 Hr A 0 0 0 ≥99.99% 6.3 0 B 0 0 0 Gel 10% 6 Hr A 0 0 0 ≥99.99% 6.3 0 B 0 0 0 Gel 20% 6 Hr A 0 0 0 ≥99.99% 6.3 0 B 0 0 Gel 30% 6 Hr A 0 0 0 ≥99.99% 6.3 0 B 0 0 0

Conclusion:

LUXSOL Gel 5%, 10%, 20% and 30% each showed ≥99.99% antimicrobial activity against Gardnerella vaginalis ATCC #49145 at 6 hours of contact time.

Example 43

The LUXSOL suppositories showed >99.99% antimicrobial activity against Gardnerella vaginalis.

Test Materials:

LUXSOL Suppository 5%, 10%, 20%, and 30%. The LUXSOL suppositories were prepared according to Example 34 with 5%, 10%, 20% or 30% of bulk suspension.

Test Conditions:

The procedure was the same as described in Example 41.

Results:

TABLE 17 LUXSOL suppositories showed >99.99% antimicrobial activity against Gardnerella vaginalis Concentration of Organism (CFU/ml) Exposure Gardnerella vaginalis ATCC# 49145 % Log Sample ID Time Replicate Cfu/ml Average Reduction reduction Control 0 Hr A 1500000 1800000 2.1 × 10⁶ — — 2100000 B 2000000 2400000 2800000 Suppository 6 Hr A 0 0 0 ≥99.99% 6.3 5% 0 B 0 0 0 Suppository 6 Hr A 0 0 0 ≥99.99% 6.3 10% 0 B 0 0 0 Suppository 6 Hr A 0 0 0 ≥99.99% 6.3 20% 0 B 0 0 0 Suppository 6 Hr A 0 0 0 ≥99.99% 6.3 30% 0 B 0 0 0

Conclusion:

LUXSOL suppositories comprising 5%, 10%, 20% or 30% of the copper solution showed >99.99% antimicrobial activity against Neisseria Gonorrhoeae ATCC #49145 at 6 hours of contact time.

Example 44

3VM1001 cream showed ≥99.99% antimicrobial activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Test Materials:

3VM1001 Cream, prepared according to Example 34 with 30% bulk suspension.

Test Method:

The procedure was the same as described in Example 41.

Results:

TABLE 18 3VM1001 Cream showed ≥99.99% antimicrobial activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae ATCC# 49226 Concentration of Organism (CFU/mL) Exposure Neisseria gonorrhoeae ATCC# 49226 % Log Sample ID Time Replicate Cfu/ml Average Reduction reduction Control 0 Hr A 3700000 4100000 4.5 × 10⁶ — — 4500000 B 5600000 4900000 4200000 Cream 30% 6 Hr A 0 0 0 ≥99.9% 6.6 0 B 0 0 0

Conclusion:

3VM10001 Cream showed ≥99.9% antimicrobial activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae ATCC #49226 at 6 hours of contact time.

Example 45

The LUXSOL gel showed ≥99.99% antimicrobial activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Test Materials:

LUXSOL Gel 30%. The LUXSOL gel was prepared according to Example 34.

Test Method:

The procedure was the same as described in Example 41.

Results:

TABLE 19 The LUXSOL gel showed ≥99.99% antimicrobial activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae Concentration of Organism (CFU/mL) Exposure Neisseria gonorrhoeae ATCC# 49226 % Log Sample ID Time Replicate Cfu/ml Average Reduction reduction Control 0 Hr A 3700000 4100000 4.5 × 10⁶ — — 4500000 B 5600000 4900000 4200000 Gel 30% 6 Hr A 0 0 0 ≥99.9% 6.6 0 B 0 0 0

Conclusion:

LUXSOL gel showed ≥99.99% antimicrobial activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae ATCC #49226 at 6 hours of contact time.

Example 46

The LUXSOL suppository showed >99.99% antimicrobial activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Test Materials:

LUXSOL suppository. The suppository was prepared according to Example 34.

Test Conditions:

The procedure was the same as described in Example 41.

Results:

TABLE 20 The LUXSOL suppository showed >99.99% antimicrobial activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae Concentration of Organism (CFU/mL) Exposure Neisseria gonorrhoeae ATCC# 49226 % Log Sample ID Time Replicate Cfu/ml Average Reduction reduction Control 0 Hr A 3700000 4100000 4.5 × 10⁶ — — 4500000 B 5600000 4900000 4200000 Suppository 6 Hr A 0 0 0 ≥99.9% 6.6 30% 0 B 0 0 0

Conclusion:

LUXSOL suppository showed ≥99.99% antimicrobial activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae ATCC #49226 at 6 hours of contact time.

Example 47

3VM1001 cream showed >99.99% antimicrobial activity against Mobiluncus curtisii subsp. Curtisii

Test Materials:

3VM1001 cream, prepared according to Example 34.

Test Conditions:

The procedure was the same as described in Example 41.

Results:

TABLE 21 The 3VM1001 showed >99.99% antimicrobial activity against Mobiluncus curtisii subsp. Curtisii Concentration of Organism (CFU mL) Mobiluncus curtisii subsp. Curtisii Exposure NCTC 11656 (ATCC #35241) % Log Sample ID Time Replicate Cfu/ml Average Reduction reduction Control 0 Hr A 1510000 1355000 1.3 × 10⁶ — — 1200000 B 1700000 1400000 1100000 Cream 30% 6 Hr A 0 0 0 ≥99.99% 6.11 Lot# 0 04192013@9 B 0 0 0

Conclusion:

3VM1001 cream showed ≥99.99% antimicrobial activity against Mobiluncus curtisii subsp. Curtisii ATCC #35241 at 6 hours of contact time.

Example 48

3VM1001 cream showed >99.99% antimicrobial activity against Atopobium vaginae.

Test Materials:

3VM1001 cream, prepared according to Example 34.

Test Conditions:

The procedure was the same as described in Example 41.

Results:

TABLE 22 3VM1001 Cream showed 99.99% antimicrobial activity against Atopobium vaginae Exposure Concentration of Organism (CFU/mL) Log Sample Id Time Replicate Cfu/ml Average % Reduction reduction Control 0 Hr A 160000000 160000000 1.68 × 10⁸  — — 162000000 B 173000000 175000000 177000000 Atopobium 6 Hr A 2600 2500 2.7 × 10³ 99.99% 2.67 vaginae 2400 ATCC# B 2800 2900 BAA-55 3000

Conclusion:

3VM1001 Cream showed 99.99% antimicrobial activity against Atopobium vaginae ATCC #BAA-55 at 6 hours of contact time.

Example 49

3VM1001 Cream showed 99.99% antimicrobial activity against Chlamydia trachomatis. Chlamydia trachomatis (Serotype K) was exposed to 3VM1001 Cream at 35-37° C. (36.0° C.) for 6 hrs. Complete inactivation of Chlamydia trachomatis (Serotype K) was demonstrated.

Example 50

3VM1001 Cream showed 99.99% antiviral activity against Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1). HIV-1 was exposed to 3VM1001 Cream at 35-37° C. (36.0° C.) for 6 hrs. Complete inactivation of the test virus was demonstrated. A ≥99.99% reduction in viral titer was demonstrated. The log reduction in viral titer was ≥4.00 log₁₀.

Example 51

LUXSOL Gel showed 99.99% antiviral activity against Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1). HIV-1 was exposed to LUXSOL Gel at 35-37° C. (36.0° C.) for 6 hrs. Complete inactivation of the test virus was demonstrated. A ≥99.99% reduction in viral titer was demonstrated. The log reduction in viral titer was ≥4.00 log₁₀.

Example 52

Luxsol Suppository showed 99.99% antiviral activity against Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1). HIV-1 was exposed to the LUXSOL suppository according to Example 34 at 35-37° C. (36.0° C.) for 6 hrs. Complete inactivation of the test virus was demonstrated. A ≥99.99% reduction in viral titer was demonstrated. The log reduction in viral titer was ≥4.00 log₁₀.

Example 53

3VM1001 cream showed 99.53% antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans.

TEST MATERIALS: 3VM1001 Cream, prepared according to Example 34 with 30% bulk suspension.

Test Method:

The procedure was the same as described in Example 41.

Results:

3VM1001 Cream 30% showed 99.53% antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans

Concentration of Organism (CFU/mL) Candida albicans Exposure ATCC# 10231 % Log Sample Id Time Replicate Cfu/ml Average Reduction reduction Control 0 Hr A 27000000 29000000 2.6 × 10⁷ — — 31000000 B 18000000 23000000 28000000 Cream 30% 6 Hr A 70000 80000 1.2 × 10⁵ 99.53% 2.3 Lot# 90000 04192013@9 B 120000 160000 200000 200000

Conclusion:

3VM1001 showed 99.53% antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans ATCC #10231 at 6 hours of contact time.

Example 54

An appropriate amount of copper ion-containing suspension, such as 3VM1000, is combined with a toothpaste base material to form a copper ion toothpaste in which the copper ion-containing solution constitutes in the range of 5 percent to 30 percent of the total weight of the copper ion toothpaste.

The toothpaste base material can be a commercially available toothpaste including any of the toothpastes marketed and sold under the major brand names. A toothpaste made in accordance with Example 54 is advantageous for preventing biofilm (plaque), treating bad breath, sore gums, gum disease and tooth decay when used on a daily basis in place of a person's regular toothpaste.

Example 55

The 3VM1000 copper ion-containing suspension was used as a mouthwash to prevent biofilm formation (plaque) in two individuals. Specifically, one tablespoon of 3VM1000 was as a mouthwash once a day for one minute, over the course of one year. Oral examinations every three months showed that both individuals were 99-100% plaque free throughout the course of the treatment. 

1.-44. (canceled)
 45. A method of preventing biofilm formation by administering a formulation comprising copper ions to a human in need of such treatment.
 46. The method of claim 45, wherein the formulation is a suspension prepared by incubating phosphate buffered saline with copper metal.
 47. The method of claim 45, wherein the biofilm is dental plaque.
 48. The method of claim 46, wherein the suspension is administered once daily.
 49. The method of claim 46, wherein one tablespoon of suspension comprising copper is administered once daily.
 50. The method of claim 46, wherein the suspension is 3VM1000.
 51. The method of claim 46, wherein one tablespoon of 3VM1000 is administered once daily to prevent formation of dental plaque.
 52. The method of claim 45, wherein the formulation prevents formation of biofilm by a species selected from the group consisting of Streptococcus mutans, Gardnerella vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mobiluncus curtisii, Atopobium vaginae and Chlamydia trachomatis.
 53. A formulation for use in preventing biofilm, the formulation consisting of a copper ion-containing suspension consisting of: a saline solution; one or more buffers; and copper ions, wherein the copper ions are a result of: placing a metal into the saline solution, wherein: the metal is a copper metal of 99.5% or greater copper content, or the metal is a copper alloy; allowing the metal to remain in the saline solution for a predetermined period of time; and removing the metal from the saline solution, thereby disposing the copper ions in the saline solution.
 54. The formulation of claim 53, wherein the formulation is a suspension prepared by incubating phosphate buffered saline with copper metal.
 55. The formulation of claim 53, wherein the biofilm is dental plaque.
 56. The formulation of claim 54, wherein one the suspension is administered once daily.
 57. The formulation of claim 54, wherein one tablespoon of the suspension is administered once daily.
 58. The formulation of claim 54, wherein the suspension is 3VM1000.
 59. The formulation of claim 54, wherein one tablespoon of 3VM1000 is administered once daily to prevent formation of dental plaque.
 60. The formulation of claim 54, wherein the suspension prevents formation of biofilm by Streptococcus mutans.
 61. The formulation of claim 53, wherein the metal is the copper alloy, and wherein the copper alloy is selected from the group consisting of a brass, a bronze, a copper-nickel alloy, and a copper-nickel-zinc alloy. 